2023 Girls Tennis Player of the Year: Sophia Catino

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 tennis, girls golf, boys and girls cross country, boys soccer and volleyball.

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

Sophia’s Accomplishments

It was another magical season for New Hanover standout Sophia Catino, who finished with a combined singles and doubles record of 39-4.

Catino went 25-4 at No. 1 singles and reached the semifinals of the NCHSAA 4A State Championship. She won a remarkable 42 sets by a score of 6-0, 6-1 or 8-0. 

In the 4A East final of the dual team playoffs, she earned a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Broughton’s Allison Harris, who had claimed the singles state title several days earlier.

Catino and fellow junior Hannah Davis didn’t lose a match at No. 1 doubles, finishing 14-0. That included eight victories by scores of 8-0 or 8-1. 

New Hanover won its first 25 matches to become the first New Hanover County public school to reach the 4A State Championship, where it ultimately suffered a heartbreaking 5-4 loss to Myers Park. 

In that match, Catino and Davis rolled to an 8-0 doubles victory.

The Wildcats finished unbeaten in the Mideastern Conference for a sixth straight season, dropping just one court in 14 matches. 

More about Sophia

Favorite Restaurant(s): Tower 7 and Zeke’s

Favorite Movie(s): Clueless

Favorite TV Show(s): Outer Banks

Favorite Athlete(s): Coco Gauff

Favorite memory from this season: Making it to the state championship.

Favorite memory from your career: Playing at US Clay Court Nationals this past year.

Favorite thing about your school or team: How close all of us are as a team. I really think our friendship is what got us so far in our season.

What is your dream job?: Dermatologist

Which would you choose – a vacation at the beach or the mountains?: The beach

What is your go to order at Starbucks?: Mango Dragonfruit Refresher and a chocolate croissant.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?: Monkey

Which three things can’t you live without?: My friends and family, my phone and açaí bowls.

What is your favorite snack to get at the movie theater?: I always like sour patch kids and popcorn.