Lafayette County’s Elena Williams spoke to KMMO News about her experience at the MSHSAA Singles Class 1 Girls Tennis State Tournament, where she defeated Columbia Independent’s Zaylee Rose in the finals.

Williams said each round of the tournament felt like a roller coaster as she battled her way through the top tennis players in Class 1. In the finals match, Williams said she focused on just getting into a good rhythm while playing.

Williams made the tournament several times before winning it all this season. She says she used the experience she gained from her previous losses to prepare for this year’s tournament.

She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her tennis career, including family, friends, and coaches.

Williams is also the 2024 Class 2 Girls State Champion in High Jump, which she accomplished in May. She said she is unsure which sport to continue in college, but plans to be a Business or Political Science major, with hopes of also attending law school.