Katie Medina and Janette Rico, tennis players at Downey, are ranked the No.1 doubles team in varsity so far this season. Having only played tennis for a couple of months, Medina has excelled at tennis with the help of her partner Rico.

”I’m so proud of us,” said Medina. “All our hard work has paid.”

Though Medina is improving at tennis, it’s just a hobby because her sport of choice is softball, where she has been given a full-ride scholarship to Florida State University. However, Rico says she will pursue tennis in college.

“Communication is key, and Katie and Janette have it,” said head coach Denise Diego. “They are constantly lifting each other up.”

This doubles team is unique in many ways but mostly because of their poaching and fearlessness of the ball.

“We’ve known each other since we were 8 years old in Downey Ponytail,” Rico said.

Their friendship can be seen when they ace a serve or win a set, as they encourage and support one another throughout the game.