Randall’s Ella Hester signs to play tennis for Texas A&M Kingsville
Ella Hester has achieved a lot lately. She started her senior year, helped lead Randall High School to its first-ever state tennis championship, and has already started her individual tennis season.
As of Wednesday night, she accomplished something else: the decision to become a collegiate athlete.
Hester, a senior, signed her National Letter of Intent to play collegiate tennis at Texas A&M Kingsville at Randall High School.
She still has individual tennis season, graduation and more to get through before heading to the coast. Nevertheless, she is already preparing for the next chapter of her life.
“This is going to be really fun,” said Hester. “I’ve already met the team and they’re super, super nice. They’re super welcoming… I’ve always wanted to be at the beach and when I went there, the energy and the personalities made me know I’d fit in really well.”
At the preparatory level, Hester has already achieved a lot. The Raiders won the 4A State Championship 10-8 against Boerne, largely due to their performance. She teamed with Gabriella Dishong to defeat Erin Durham and Serena Ross in girls doubles 6-0, 6-2 and took home the gold after beating Chloe O’Connor 6-1, 6-7 (5), (12:10) ).
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However, it’s more than just the state title, it’s the four years of experience that helped shape the tennis player she has become.
“Whenever I’ve gone (to Kingsville) to train with the team, the main thing I’ve been praised for is my doubles,” said Hester. “I know that without Randall tennis I wouldn’t be as good at it as I am now.”
Don’t get her wrong, the Championship was special nonetheless.
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“It was a bittersweet moment,” said Hester. “Fall tennis is all about the team and the team aspect and I just wanted to keep going. I wanted to be with my teammates and coaches longer, but we’ve worked so hard for this state championship for so many years. Hopefully we can go get another one in the spring.”
And beyond? Well, Hester already has plans for a lot more than college.
“I want to compete really hard in college,” she said. “I want to go to med school and be a doctor and a surgeon. I want to make my time in college as good as possible. I’m super competitive so obviously I want to win. I’m excited.”
