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All that stood in Kelsie Craig's way of her dream was a freshman. Craig, who was playing No. 2 singles for Orem, was aiming for her fourth straight individual title at last Saturday's Class 4A meet.
It was Craig's toughest match of the season but she came away accomplishing her goal and she was able to share it with her twin sister, Callie, who was playing at the No. 1 singles position.
Callie and Kelsie have been fixtures for Orem tennis since their freshman year and have been dominant throughout. Both Craigs have won a state title every year and this season, helped the Tigers to another team title.
"It was one of my goals for high school to win all four years," Kelsie said. "It's really hard for anybody to do that and I'm just really happy that both my sister and I were able to do it. It was a really good feeling."
Winning those individual titles last Saturday was bittersweet. A four-year long goal had been accomplished but Callie and Kelsie couldn't believe how fast the four years passed.
"I was a little bundle of nerves because it was my last match I would play in high school," Callie said. "It's sad because I've always had something to look forward to. Everyone on the team has been supportive and it was my last chance to see how I could play and have my team rooting for me."
It's a feeling the sisters will miss. They loved having the support of their teammates during matches. They loved going out to eat afterwards.
That's why the Craigs will try to return to the Class 4A state tournament next season to cheer on their former teammates, even if they aren't on the team anymore.
"We will keep in touch," Kelsie said. "It's so much fun when we're all together. It's been real fun to play for Orem."
Orem coach Lynsi Pearson will miss the Craig sisters but knows the girls have a bright future ahead of them in tennis.
"It's going to be super weird without them," Pearson said. "It's been fun to watch them develop. They're definitely tough competitors."
The Craigs will try to continue with the sport next year. Even though summer is when most seniors get their shot to catch the eye of college programs, the Craigs are still striving to earn a scholarship.
Kelsie is interested in playing for BYU-Hawaii, and Callie hopes to get a chance with BYU or the University of Utah.
The Craigs will continue to play tennis to get ready for any possible chances to play at the collegiate level but it won't be the same as their high school experience.
"I've been playing competitive tennis since I was 10 and I've played tournaments and traveled to different places," Callie said. "And by far, high school tennis is the best opportunity I've had. To know I'm a part of this team is the best feeling."
Twins Callie and Kelsie Craig finished their high school careers at Orem with their fourth consecutive singles title last Saturday.
Callie was the No. 1 singles player this year while Kelsie was the No. 2.
The sisters helped Orem win another team title this season.
