Historic Achievement in Tennis
In a remarkable display of resilience, Samaya Smith became a tennis trailblazer on June 14, when she clinched the title of Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) girls tennis individual state champion, marking her as the first Black girl from Indianapolis to achieve this honor. After initially losing the first set 6-2 in the finals, Smith found her footing with the guidance of her coach, Jonn Patterson, who encouraged her during the break.
“Once she took the best shot from her opponent and stood tall, I knew victory was within reach,” Patterson reflected.
Subsequently, Smith rebounded impressively, winning the next two sets decisively at 6-1 and 6-2. This victory not only symbolizes Smith’s personal achievements but also solidifies her place in the history of Warren Central High School as its first tennis state champion.
Breaking Barriers and Personal Growth
The news of her feat resonated deeply with Smith, who expressed her excitement to be breaking barriers in the sport.
“It’s an incredible honor to make history while striving to be the best player I can be,” she shared.
Samaya’s journey to this monumental win reflects her commitment and tenacity. Before dedicating herself fully to tennis, she balanced both track and tennis during her freshman and sophomore years. After playing a significant role in securing a team state track title in 2024 with her sisters, Laila and Kyra, she shifted her focus toward tennis, aiming for a college career in the sport. This transition wasn’t without its challenges, as her dual-sport commitments necessitated a four-month hiatus from tennis training.
Upon returning to the court, the adjustment proved difficult for her as she grappled with feelings of self-doubt and frustration.
Mental Resilience and Coaching Influence
In October 2024, to help overcome these psychological barriers, Smith began working with sports psychologist Austin Halcomb. Through their bi-weekly sessions, Smith learned to let go of past anxieties and develop coping strategies for in-game pressure, including deep breathing and positive self-talk.
“Adversity became a part of my game, and I learned to embrace it for growth,” she reflected.
Patterson noted how tennis is uniquely challenging in its mental demands, stating,
“You can miss a point, which not only affects you, but it also benefits your opponent. It can be easy to get caught up in blame.”
During their sessions, Halcomb identified a tendency in Smith to view her performance through a perfectionist lens. As she shifted her perspective, Smith became more adept at recovering from setbacks on the court. In the state finals, even after losing the first set, she applied the mental strategies they practiced.
“I just had to stick to my plan and remember my techniques,” Smith stated, demonstrating the efficacy of her training under Halcomb.
Community and Family Support
The rapid development of Smith’s skills has been noteworthy; Patterson likened her work ethic and adaptability to that of a sponge soaking up new information. Just before the May 10 conference tournament, she executed nearly a flawless golden set, impressing not only her coaches but also her peers.
Despite her competitive spirit, her opponents appreciate the positive atmosphere she fosters. Alexandra Grilliot, who faced Smith in the state finals, remarked on their friendship and how Smith’s fair play elevates the competition.
This spirit of camaraderie extends beyond the court, as Smith consistently encourages her teammates and actively engages in their matches.
Her parents have been unwavering in their support. Her mother, Le’gretta, a coach at Warren Central with deep ties to track and field, often practices with Smith. Smith’s father, Stephen, a former athlete who earned a silver medal in high jump at the 1994 Pan American Games, encourages his daughter’s tennis aspirations, recognizing the sacrifice she made in stepping away from a family legacy rooted in track.
Reflecting on Smith’s journey, he expressed immense pride, saying, “It takes a lot of courage to make such a leap into a different sport entirely. To see her thriving is immensely rewarding. Being able to possibly attend college through tennis makes a girl dad proud.”
Smith’s story represents not just an incredible athletic achievement but also serves as an inspiration for future generations seeking to break boundaries in sports.
Visual Journey
PHOTOS: View Samaya Smith’s journey to becoming a tennis champion.
More: Meet Le’gretta Smith: mom, coach, athlete, Wonder Woman.
