On a mission
Toppen takes care of business for Kankakee Valley at first singles
Kankakee Valley’s Aubrey Toppen usually does more in a day than some people do all week.
“Ever since middle school, I’ve always been really super busy and running around everywhere,” she said.
Toppen, who handles first singles in tennis and plays soccer and basketball, seems to be everywhere for the Kougars.
The three-sport athlete has been heavily involved with the Special Olympics and its Champions Together program as a student liaison the last four years, including two as president.
“Both of them are near and dear to me,” said Toppen, whose family friend, Brayden McKim, has Down syndrome.
“I have a passion for helping younger people and just for helping people to understand the students and their struggles better while at the same time helping them realize that doesn’t hold them back.”
Toppen, who’s involved with eight organizations and committees at Kankakee Valley, also works at the Farm House in Fair Oaks.
She’s a strong student as well, ranking seventh in a class of 230 students with a 4.31 GPA that includes three AP classes.
Toppen plans to study brain and behavioral science at Purdue, with the goal of becoming either a physician’s assistant or a missionary.
“I’ve really connected with Jesus and my faith is strong,” she said. “I’ve realized the gifts he’s blessed me with — being able to talk to people, love people and connect with them.
“I’ve also developed a passion for travel, having been out of the country twice on vacations with family. So missionary work is a real possibility.”
Toppen received her gift of gab and being a people person from her father Marv, who gives the word personable a whole new meaning.
“When I was younger and we went to church, my dad would talk to people afterward,” she said.
“Sometimes, I’d get tired of it because I wanted to go home. I’d be thinking, ‘Let’s just go home already.’ ”
Toppen feels right at home playing her favorite sport — tennis. She has won 46 of 56 career matches, including a 12-3 record this season.
“I hate to lose, and that’s been one of my greatest strengths,” she said. “The mental part is a strength for me.”
Kankakee Valley coach Steve Ganzeveld loves Toppen’s approach.
“There’s nothing flashy about Aubrey’s game,” he said. “She doesn’t hit hard, but she will wear every opponent down. She’s in better shape and has that uncanny anticipation of just knowing where to be or what’s coming at her to outsmart and outlast most opponents.
“Many opponents, on paper, you wouldn’t think she could (beat). But her athletic ability and stamina kicks in and she just wears them down.”
Making the most of it: Shalini Tallamraju, a junior who has committed to Toledo, has played second singles this season after losing to her freshman sister Sanjana for the No. 1 spot.
“Shalini has said numerous times she’s loving (No. 2) singles,” Mustangs coach Patrick Spohr said. “She’s never been the type of player who lets pressure build up before or during a match, but being in this position has definitely given her more confidence.”
Shalini has a 12-1 record. Her loss was to Cathedral’s Claire Koscielski, the 2018 state doubles champion and a Cincinnati recruit.
Good to go: Chesterton coach Tom Bour is excited about the performance of his team as the Trojans prepare for the Portage Sectional.
“I’m really happy with how we’re playing now,” he said. “We’re playing our best tennis. Our attitude, effort, energy and enthusiasm have been outstanding. We hope it continues.”