Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Portola’s Kenzie Nguyen displayed several impressive athletic traits during the girls tennis season, from her booming serve and forehand to her ability to race around the court. But the freshman had another quality helping her below the surface.
“Coachable,” Bulldogs coach Natasha Schottland said.
Schottland shared that description after Nguyen dropped her first set in the semifinals of the CIF-SS Individual Championships and responded with the needed adjustments.
Those adjustments helped push Nguyen to a CIF-SS title, and the Register’s Orange County girls tennis player of the year honor.
Nguyen corrected her serve and an aspect of her strategy after losing the first set to Troy senior Nadia Kojonroj 6-4 on Dec. 1. Nguyen advanced after Kojonroj retired in the second set and then defeated Marina senior Mika Ikemori 7-5, 6-1 in the final to finish the season undefeated.
Nguyen became the first Portola tennis player to claim a section title.
“She made all the corrections (in the finals),” Schottland said. “To me, that is a coachable player. Someone who can take the criticism, implement it and then fix it in the next round, and that is what she did. … She just executed. Unbelievable. Great win for her.”
Nguyen’s outward signature was her athleticism. The Pacific Coast League singles champion routinely thrust all of her 5-foot-4 frame into her shots, especially her serve.
She relies on her former passion of running for her agility, which helps reach shots like her backhand.
“Every shot, I try to put everything into it,” she said. “I’m an aggressive player. I play more spin than flat.”
Nguyen helped lead Portola to a share of the Pacific Coast League title and a trip to the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs. She received valuable support along way from her twin sister Kylie, who earned All-County honors in doubles.
“She’s my best friend,” Nguyen said. “She’s also very talented in tennis. She’s a really good doubles player.”
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kayla Almazan, Northwood
Northwood girls tennis coach Kayla Almazan made a few maneuvers in her second season that promoted teamwork but required trust between the 26-year-old and her players.
She paired, for example, promising sophomore Sophia Yang, once recovered from injury, in doubles with senior Emilie Liao.
Almazan paired sophomores Kelly Au and Yu Chen — both substitutes last season — at No. 1 doubles. She also found a spirited leader at No. 1 singles in Burcu Turunc.
All three moves found the mark and played a key role in Northwood claiming its first CIF-SS team title.
For orchestrating the strategies, Almazan is the Register’s Orange County girls tennis coach of the year.
“A huge focus of my coaching is bringing new perspectives to players in terms of mentality and optimism,” said Almazan, who was assisted by Northwood alumnus Megan Mansonhing. “Building a strong sense of trust between me and my players has always been a top priority.”
Northwood finished fourth in the tough Pacific Coast League and reached the Division 3 playoffs as the No. 2 seed. The Timberwolves beat Sage Hill 12-6 in the final after the teams split their two league matches.
ALL-COUNTY FIRST TEAM
SINGLES
Kenzie Nguyen, Portola, Fr. (O.C. player of the year)
Mika Ikemori, Marina, Sr.
Nadia Kojonroj, Troy Sr.
DOUBLES
Natalie Lynch, Sr., Chloe Vu, Jr., Mater Dei
Athena Wardy, Jr., Haley Tran, So., Mater Dei
Daniela Borruel, So., Crystal Kim, Sr., Sunny Hills
ALL-COUNTY SECOND TEAM
SINGLES
Olivia Allegre, Aliso Niguel, So.
Karah Li, Tesoro, So.
Yen Nhi Huynh-Nguyen, Huntington Beach, Jr.
Anna Petrescu, Yorba Linda, Sr.
Morgan Shaffer, Villa Park, Jr.
DOUBLES
Ann Kato, Jr., Sonia Mangat, Jr., Aliso Niguel
Caydence Bach, Sr., Maddy Posner, Jr., Foothill
Kylie Nguyen, Fr., Leanna Roman, Fr., Portola
