Ridgewood Student Inspires Tennis Greatness On And Off The Court, Coach Says

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In an effort to build resilience, Ridgewood High School tennis player Phoebe Devine always takes challenges in stride. Her determination enabled her to conclude the fall season with a near-perfect record, and selection to the 2022 All-North Jersey First Team.

"I am proud to be selected," Devine said, "because I am with a group of other girls I have a lot of respect for and are great players and role models on and off of the court."

Although she endured a couple of tough losses in the postseason, she said she had played some of her best tennis and was very pleased with the run she had.

Devine cruised through to the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 4 final, where she lost in straight sets to Bergen Tech player Victoria Gazda. Turning the page, however, she bounced back with three consecutive wins at state before she met up with yet another formidable opponent — three-time state champ Stephanie Yakoff.

Unable to post the win, Devine continued to show positive energy, while priding herself on her progress. She had, in fact, advanced two rounds deeper this year at state than she had last year.

"I was really happy to see the improvement as I have been working very hard," Devine said. "I am very proud to be able to do my part in competing for my school at the highest level I can."

Devine's coach Alison Sieck said that her performance at state was "exceptional," and that it was her focus and expert decision-making during key moments in matches that had allowed her to advance as far as she had.

But beyond being an excellent player, and a four-star recruit — according to Tennis Recruiting Network —, Devine is also a supportive teammate who lifts up her team and encourages them to strive to do their best, Sieck said.

"She is a tremendous asset to our program," Sieck said.

Devine added that she is grateful for her parents and coaches, who have supported her through all of the ups and downs of her tennis career thus far.

"It is those ups and downs where I have developed the resilience that will help me throughout the rest of my life," Devine said.