Senior tennis star Sajin Smith reached the final match at the 2019-2020 individual IHSAA Tennis State Tournament, finishing  as individual runner-up for boys’ tennis, a feat no other Perry singles player has reached before. .

Many of Smith’s family, friends and fans came to support him in his final matches on Saturday, Oct. 26at the Pearson Automotive Tennis Club in Zionsville. 

Smith recognized his supporters in the crowd, and admits that “it was pretty special.”

Smith finished second but  has nothing but pride after his almost perfect season, finishing 27-1 overall. 

 “I still missed my main goal,” he acknowledges, “which was to win state, but all in all I feel like I’ve had a successful high school career.”

Reaching this far into state is an accumulation of years of rigorous training for Smith, who rejoices that “I gave lots of time and effort to try and give the team the best chance to succeed.”

Smith feels a great sense of pride in his achievements over his career.  

“I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot,” he says. “It felt amazing to have a chance to compete for the title.”

With the support of his friends and fans, Smith can ease his way away from his Perry career in order to focus on academics and the next stages of his life.

As his high school career comes to an end, Smith shifts his focus on his future. 

“It’s kind of weird thinking that I’m finished with high school tennis forever,” he admits . 

Smith will take his talent to  Ball State University, where he will accept a full-ride scholarship for tennis and academics.