Eleanor Archer, Amarillo High tennis, Sr.
On the court: Archer stamped her career as arguably the greatest tennis player in Amarillo ISD history at last week’s UIL Class 5A state tournament. Archer teamed up with Morgan Rose to capture the girls doubles title with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 win over Hailey Zhang and Milla Dopson of Frisco Liberty. Adding to their gold medal, the UIL also presented the pair with the sportsmanship award based on their play throughout the tournament. The senior claimed her unprecedented third straight state championship and fourth overall gold for Amarillo High. Archer won a team title in the fall plus grabbed gold in mixed doubles and singles to go along with this win. Last year she was the first Amarillo ISD girl to grab a singles title and now an argument can be made that she is the greatest female tennis player in AISD history.
Coach Koby Otto: “Eleanor and Morgan played really well. They played the style we built and had a good flow to their matches. Frisco Liberty had a really good game-plan and it took us a bit to get into a rhythm. It was exciting to see Eleanor and Morgan get challenged and play a different style to get the win. I was proud of them. There have been some great players, but no one has touched what Eleanor has done in her career. To play doubles, mixed doubles and singles, three different skill sets a player needs to adapt to, and to do everything seamlessly sets her apart from the rest. Special doesn’t even begin to describe what Eleanor has been to the AHS tennis program.”
Archer: “I feel like I played pretty well. We were pretty tight at first but then we were able to relax and start playing better and getting into a good rhythm. It was difficult win all those gold medals because I had to adapt to different partners and different playing styles. It means a lot when I hear people talk about the success I had and the success my team has had. This is something I’ve been working toward for a longtime. I’ve always had a dream of representing my school and the city in this way. Playing for Amarillo High has meant everything to me. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without a great team and great coaching. It was awesome to be surrounded by people that would push me to be better.”
About Archer
Favorite band or musician: Eminem
Favorite social media platform: Snapchat
Favorite athlete: Rafael Nadal
Bet you didn’t know: She likes to play video games.
Parents: Richard and Natalie Archer