Alisa Sabotic
OKEMOS – Alisa Sabotic’s tennis playing career began under the name Draga.
Around the time she was 7 years old, Sabotic played in her first tournament in place of her sister, who couldn’t participate due to illnes, at her family’s local club.
“They all knew me as a little girl playing tennis, so I don’t think they really cared,” she said.
Under her own moniker, Sabotic has become an up-and-coming name after success in the United State Tennis Association (USTA) circuit and, now, the high school ranks. The Okemos High School sophomore captured the Division 2 state title at No. 1 singles in her first year of prep tennis.
She’s been named the State Journal girls tennis player of the year.
“I was pretty confident against the competition that was available,” said Sabotic, who surveyed the opposition while watching her older sister play at Okemos. “I was aware of who I had to beat.”
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Sabotic finished her sophomore year with a 32-1 record – her only loss coming to a Division 1 opponent – and also won the CAAC Blue and regional championships.
In her state championship victory, Sabotic defeated Mason’s Olivia Hanover, who she said is a close friend and training partner. It was the third time Sabotic had beaten Hanover during the season.
“I had a feeling I would face Liv (Hanover) because I know how good she can play,” said Sabotic, who was also an all-state selection. “I was confident but, also, worried because I had played her two other times and it was close.
“It’s (high school) way different of an experience than USTA because you have the team behind you. I felt really supported.”
As a team, the Chiefs finished fifth at the state tournament. Junior Monika Francsics, who was an all-state selection at No. 2 singles, also brought home a state championship for Okemos. Sabotic said she felt at the beginning of the year that her team would be in contention.
“We had some really good freshmen this year, and some more incoming players (next year),” she added, “so I think our chances might be even greater next year.”
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Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.