Talented Academy senior out to defend title
Sydni Ratliff can cement legacy in final prep run
While some of her highly successful peers have little use for high school tennis, Sydni Ratliff relishes every moment she gets to wear the maroon and gray of Columbus Academy.
“People think of tennis as an individual sport, but I really enjoy being part of a team and representing your school,” the Ohio State-bound senior said. “I feel like it’s an honor to play for something bigger than myself.”
Ratliff will take to the court one last time Friday and Saturday in the state tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason seeking to cement her legacy.
After finishing runner-up in Division II singles in 2017 and 2018, Ratliff brought home the title a year ago and will be heavily favored to repeat.
“I was so excited and overwhelmed when I was on the verge of finally winning it last year, I dropped my racket and had to refocus for the final point,” she said. “It’s more of a fun week than a nervous week this time around. I consider it an honor to be able to defend my title, especially when we weren’t sure we were going to be playing at all this fall. I know it won’t come easy. Defending a title is even harder than winning one.”
Vikings coach Marc Wurtzman said Ratliff possesses a rare combination of shot-making ability, competitive desire, confidence, humility and a high work rate.
“She has such a total package and so many weapons, it’s hard for any player to even stay with her in a match,” said Wurtzman, who coached Ratliff in middle school before taking over the high school program.
“Sydni has a huge forehand, her backhand is hard to read, she’s dynamite at the baseline and knows when to come to the net. She just fights for every point. Her work ethic really sets her apart in my mind.”
Only one opponent, Division I contender Shyla Aggarwal of Mason, has won more than two games in a set against her all season. Ratliff (15-0) won that match 6-2, 6-4.
Ranked No. 17 by Tennis Recruiting Network, Ratliff won a 16-and-under doubles title at the prestigious Easter Bowl junior tournament in Palm Springs, California, in May 2019 and was United States National Indoor 18-andunder champion last December in
Indianapolis.
As usual, central Ohio should bring plenty of juice to the 45th annual event.
In Division I, junior Ella Franz of Olentangy Berlin (24-2) and Ohio Statebound senior Dani Schoenly of Olentangy Liberty (22-3) are strong contenders to play into Saturday. Franz beat Schoenly 6-2, 0-6, 6-3 in the district final to split their season series.
Schoenly was a state doubles champion in 2017 and 2018 and reached the singles quarterfinals a year ago. Franz will be making her first appearance at the state.
“Ella has really come a long way,” Berlin coach Richard Hunt said. “She was probably the fifth-best player last year and only four got to the state. She really committed herself in the offseason to getting in better shape and playing in more tournaments. Winning the district last week was a huge boost for her.”
Elizabeth Pendergast of Cincinnati St. Ursula (31-1), Aggarwal (25-3), Hannah Kassaie of Mayfield (19-0) and Lilly Black of Whitehouse Anthony Wayne (26-0) are rated as the favorites.
In doubles, the Upper Arlington district champion team of junior Megan Basil and senior Ella Hazelbaker hope to make a run at the title. Central Ohio teams have won eight of the past nine titles. District runners-up Tyler Reed and Caroline Sproule of Olentangy Orange also could contend.
In Division II, junior Alexis Burkhalter and sophomore Katie Zerbi of Wellington are regarded as title contenders after winning the district. The duo took fourth in the state last season. sblackledge@dispatch.com @Blackiepreps