Ten years of dedication to tennis has certainly paid off for junior Margo Gerke, as she was recently named to the Kansas City Star’s All-Metro girls tennis team. With a season record of 35-2, Gerke finished fifth in the Missouri Class 2 State tournament according to C0-Athletic Director Kate Pilgreen.

As a child, Gerke was involved in golf, volleyball, basketball, swimming and gymnastics. But tennis is the sport that stuck with her.

“I really love [tennis]. It keeps me busy, and it’s very fun,” Gerke said. “For Sion tennis, I love the team atmosphere – it is just a really fun team to be on.”

After playing the sport for so long, Gerke has learned that her least favorite part of it is also her favorite. When she steps on the court, she is alone. The pressure falls on her shoulders. But at the same time, there is relief in knowing that she has the total support of her teammates and coaches on the sideline.

“The most memorable piece of advice that Coach O’Neill and Coach Phillips gave me would just be to relax,” Gerke said. “Both coaches would always tell me just to calm down and play my game during matches, something that helped me tremendously as I sometimes get overwhelmed while playing.”

According to Karen Phillips, Gerke works with a tennis coach throughout the year. She was also undefeated in regular season tournament and match play.

“This is an individual honor which is so well deserved,” Phillips said. “Margo is so humble and the first to support her team members. We are very fortunate to have her at our school and as a part of Sion tennis.”

 
With such a passion for the sport, Gerke looks forward to her college career. She is currently visiting five different colleges – Johns Hopkins University, West Point Military Academy, Emory University, Columbia University and Brown University. Though she does not know where she will attend, she is sure that she will play in college.