2019 Girls Tennis Player of the Year: Peyton Philemon
***Click here to view a photo gallery of the 2019 Fall Coastal Preps Players of the Year***
With the fall high school sports season coming to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the few days, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in girls tennis, girls golf, boys cross country, girls cross country, boys soccer and volleyball. Football will be published shortly after the conclusion of the season.
First up is girls tennis. The Coastal Preps Player of the Year is freshman Peyton Philemon from New Hanover.
Peyton’s Accomplishments
New Hanover’s Peyton Philemon proved why she is one of the best freshmen tennis players in the Southeast by going a remarkable 15-1 in singles and 19-1 in doubles to help lead the Wildcats to a Mideastern Conference title and a berth in the NCHSAA 3A State Championship match.
Playing No. 1 singles, Philemon dropped only two sets and won 22 of her 31 sets by a 6-0 or 8-0 score. In doubles, she teamed with Frances Coleman to win the MEC and 3A East Regional titles. The duo won three matches at the state championship and ultimately finished as the runner-up.
Philemon was instrumental in guiding the Wildcats to the dual team championship match, where they became the first public school team from Wilmington to play for a title. The Wildcats finished 21-1 and won 174 of the 190 courts contested.
More about Peyton
Favorite Food: Acai bowls
Favorite Restaurant: Playa Bowls
Favorite Movie: Elf
Favorite TV Show: Flash
Favorite athlete: Alexander Zverev
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite memory from the season: Making it to the 3A state finals
Favorite thing about your school or team: The people
At what age did you start playing tennis?: 8
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals?: No
If you could play another sport professionally, what would it be?: Volleyball
Who is your biggest role model?: My mom
What hobbies do you have outside of participating in sports?: Hanging out with friends
What app on your phone do you use the most?: Instagram
What is your dream job?: Physical therapist
Are you a morning or night person?: Night
Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Hot
Would you rather revisit a moment in the past or look ahead to a moment in the future?: Past
Who has the best doughnuts in town? Krispy Kreme
Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theater? Theater
