Chukwunoneeru “Nonee” Smarty, a ninth-grade student from Braden River High School, was named the Girls Overall Singles Champion (Class 3A) at the FHSAA Tennis Championships held April 29th through May 3rd in Seminole County.
Nonee went on an incredible run to reach the State Championship match, taking down several top-seeded players along the way.
In the championship match, Smarty started off strong with a 5-0 lead in the first set before her opponent, Tate Kerber, unfortunately had to retire due to injury.
School officials say she played her heart out during the three-day event, eliminating the 2, 4, and 1 seeds on her path to the championship.
"She definitely came in under the radar," Braden River Head Coach Sharon Itts told the Bradenton Herald, "but now people know who she is and that she's a force to be reckoned with."
Congratulations to Nonee on her impressive victory!