Jamie Stoppler has handled the pressure of being Century’s No. 1
“No one could anticipate the pressure they would feel playing in new positions,” Dan Keith said. “It took a while for them to figure it out.”
Last year, Century graduated five of their six varsity members. Coming into 2017 Jamie Stoppler was the only returning player.
“Well our number one went undefeated in WDA last year,” Stoppler said. “I felt like I needed to step up to that this year. I felt the pressure of that definitely this year.”
Jamie lost three matches before entering the WDA tournament. The junior entered as the No. 3 seed, she upset the No. 2 seed the No. 1 seed on her way to West Crown.
“I think I was just playing my game really well,” Stoppler said. “Even with my mistakes, I was just able to get through them.”
Playing was probably the easy part, but now she is the leader with seniors looking up to her.
“We all know the girls look up to her,” Stoppler said. “We know the team is only going to go as far as she carries us. It’s important to have her mind well as well as her skill set.”
And now there’s more pressure, as the No. 1 seed in the West. She’s expected to advance to the state finals.
“I played to best of my ability in singles and doubles,” Stoppler said. “So hopefully, I keep it going.”
Jamie won her first two matches today. She plays in the semifinals on June 2.
