Izzy just wants her own title. That could happen on Saturday against Upper State champion Chapman (15-0) in the Class AAA girls tennis state final at Lexington Tennis Center. Izzy plays No. 5 for the unbeaten Bishops, while sophomore Lily is No. 2 and has posted a 21-0 record.
“Izzy played herself onto the team, then played herself into the starting lineup, and here she is at the state championship level with such a fantastic program, led by Coach K (Kristin Fleming Arnold),” said the sisters’ father, longtime local tennis pro Rob Woods.
Izzy Woods has responded with a 17-2 season for the 22-0 Bishops.
“I’ve been practicing and playing well lately,” Izzy said. “I like playing and being competitive. All the girls on the team and Coach K make me feel real special. I think it’s really special to practice and play in this environment.”
Of course, stepping into the starting singles lineup for the Bishop England girls is no small feat. Bishop England has one of the most storied girls tennis programs in the state, having won a state record 22 state girls tennis titles. The Bishops are working on extending a string of seven consecutive state titles under Arnold.
“My dad has always coached us. We grew up two minutes from the courts at Snee Farm where Dad teaches, so we could ride bikes to our lessons,” said Lily, who at 5-3 is an inch taller than Izzy.
Arnold, herself a former BE tennis star, owns a total of 13 state titles, counting four as a player and two as the coach of the BE boys.
“I don’t know much about Chapman other than they are undef... Click here to read full article
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