SOLO Mission

By Jake Singleton
The Journal Staff

Blue Springs South junior Nick Monaco forgoes high school season for USTA

Blue Springs South junior Nick Monaco felt it was the best decision for him. “It’s been a big toss up, high school tennis is a lot of fun,” Monaco said. “But your junior year is when college coaches start looking at you for athletics and that’s why I chose to play in the USTA Missouri Valley tournaments this year. It will get me more exposure and get my name out there better to college coaches than high school will.” Monaco, who has been undefeated in the Suburban Big Seven, was the district champion last year, finished sixth in the state in singles and helped guide the Jaguars to an eighthplace team finish at state, will not return to the court for South this year. Instead, Monaco, who was not allowed to play both high school and club tennis because of Missouri State High School Activities Association rules, will compete in the United States Tennis Association’s Missouri Valley tournament events. The tournaments consists of events held throughout the United States and is comprised of top boys tennis talent in the nation. “I’m not certain the number of matches I’ll get. It should be pretty even, but it depends on how I do in these tournaments,” said Monaco, who had a 24-4 overall record last season and went 3-2 in the state tournament. “And I’m going to try and play as much doubles as I can since you have to develop your double skills to be successful in college. But I’m trying to find someone who will be at some of the same tournaments I’m in.” And while Monaco is looking forward to testing himself in the Missouri Valley, he knows he will miss being a part of the Jaguars boys tennis team in he spring. “I think I took it harder than (my teammates) did,” said Monaco. “My teammates understood. I think they were disappointed, but I’m disappointed as well.” Jaguar boys tennis head coach Sheri Rehmer also took the news her top tennis player wasn’t returning relatively well. “I basically laid out my thought process and my decision and I think she understood,” Monaco said. “I’m pretty straight forward, but I’ll miss playing for her and the team.” “I respect his decision,” Rehmer said, “although I may not fully understand it.” Monaco began his Missouri Valley tournament schedule today in a USTA Futures Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.