Lady Lion off to good start
Name: Jess Stevens
School: Altoona Area High School
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Sport: Tennis
Athlete of the week achievement: Playing No. 1 singles for the Lady Lions Stevens won four matches in straight sets against Mifflin County, Huntingdon, Hollidaysburg and Central Mountain. She only lost two games in those matches.
Season update: Stevens and the Lady Lions have gotten off to a 5-0 start
Coach Eric Hovan’s quote: “Jess had a great junior year winning districts and making the state quarterfinals. She has picked up right where she left off. Jess had a great offseason and has really taken her game to the next level. She is very coachable and a great competitor. It’s great to see her reach this level of success.”
Favorite teacher: Mr. Spayd
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite movie: “For the Love of the Game”
Favorite food: Chicken and noodles
Favorite song: “Mercy” by Brett Young
Outside interests: Basketball, running, swimming
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Duke
Pro athlete most admired: Roger Federer
Best athlete I ever competed against: Norwin’s Maria Santilli
Most influential person on my athletic career: Coach Eric Hovan, Jake Colledge, and my parents, Eric and Lori Stevens
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning District 6 Singles last year
How I got my start in tennis: “By attending a practice in 8th grade and asked by Coach Hovan if I wanted to play.”
Future goal: “To win districts (singles and team) in tennis and basketball.”