2022 Girls Tennis Player of the Year: Sophia Catino

***ICYMI: Girls Golfer of the Year: Ellie Hildreth***

Now that the fall sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in girls golf, girls tennis, boys and girls cross country, volleyball, boys soccer and football.

For the second consecutive year, the Coastal Preps Girls Tennis Player of the Year is sophomore Sophia Catino from New Hanover.

Sophia’s Accomplishments

New Hanover has produced some incredible girls tennis players over the past two decades. Even though she’s only completed two seasons, Sophia Catino has already cemented her place among the best.

The sophomore had another stellar season by going 18-0 in singles and 22-3 in doubles with partner Hanna Davis. 

Catino didn’t drop a set while playing No. 1 singles, winning 24 sets by a 6-0, 6-1  or 8-0 score. 

In doubles, Catino and Davis claimed the Mideastern Conference title before going on to finish third at the 4A East Regional. The duo also reached the quarterfinals of the state championship before falling to the eventual state champions.

With Catino leading the way, New Hanover finished 21-1 overall and 14-0 in league play. The Wildcats increased their winning streak in the MEC to 72 matches and claimed their fifth straight outright title.

 New Hanover reached the Elite 8 of the 4A dual team playoffs.

New Hanover sophomore Sophia Catino is the 2022 Coastal Preps Girls Tennis Player of the Year. [Tim Hower/Coastal Preps]

More about Sophia

Favorite Restaurant(s): My favorite restaurants are Artisano, Playa Bowls, and Bento Box. 

Favorite Movie(s): My favorite movie that I’ve watched recently is Enola Holmes. 

Favorite TV Show(s): My favorite TV shows are Schitt’s Creek, Outer Banks, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things. 

Favorite Athlete(s): My favorite athletes are Iga Swiatek and Roger Federer. 

Favorite memory from this season: My favorite memory from this season was going to regionals in Raleigh with my teammates. 

Favorite memory from your career: My favorite memory from my career is getting to travel for tournaments and hanging out with my tennis friends from all over. 

Favorite thing about your school or team: My favorite thing about my school is just the overall tradition and family atmosphere at Hanover. 

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: I don’t have any rituals/superstitions. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?: I would definitely travel to the Caribbean.

Are you a morning or night person?: I am probably a morning person because I don’t really like to sleep in that late and I like going on runs in the morning too. 

What is something you could eat for a week straight?: I could eat acai bowls straight for a week for sure. 

What is your favorite milkshake flavor from Cook Out? My favorite Cook Out milkshake flavor is M&M. 

What app on your phone do you use the most?: I use Snapchat the most.

What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island? If I was going to a deserted island I would bring someone with me, my phone, and ice cream. 

Would you rather dance or sing in front of a group of people? I would definitely rather dance in front of a group of people.