Calabasas High tennis star shoots for another league title

WON'T LOSE—Sabrina Man-Son-Hing, 16, began playing tennis at age 6. The Calabasas High School senior is on a winning streak; her team hasn't lost a match since 2002. No matter where Calabasas High senior Sabrina ManSonHing plays on the tennis court, there's one thing she doesn't do often—lose.

During her first two years at CHS, Man-Son-Hing played doubles with Coyote teammate Valerie Chang and didn't lose a single Marmonte League match.

Kim Kinberg, the Coyotes' former head coach, decided last season to have Man-Son-Hing play singles instead of doubles. Man-Son-Hing wasn't bothered by the switch and played well enough to be named to the AllMarmonte League first team.

"One of the best qualities Sabrina has is her versatility," Calabasas head coach and former assistant coach Cleo Harper said. "One of the reasons why (ManSon-Hing) played doubles her first two years was because the singles players we had at that time were a little older and more mature. Now we're counting on her leading the way at the singles position."

With 12 seniors having graduated from last year's squad, Man-Son-Hing will become the squad's No. 1 singles player after serving as the team's No.2 or 3 player last season. The 16yearold senior said she's up to the challenge.

"This is something I've been waiting for since my freshman year," Man-Son-Hing said. "As the No. 1 player and a team captain, you have to set the tone for the rest of the team. I won't be able to sneak out of practices early like I did before, that's for sure."

Harper said Man-Son-Hing's mental approach to her game gives her an advantage over opponents.

"The one thing that stands out about Man-Son-Hing's game is her aggressiveness," Harper said. "She has a great approach to being a singles player because she's so confident in her abilities. Since she believes in herself so much, she's often able to beat players that may have more physical talent than her."

The fact that Man-Son-Hing's had success on the tennis court shouldn't come as a surprise. Her father, Bruce, was the No. 1 singles player at UC Irvine and played briefly on the pro tour. ManSonHing said that her father constantly gives her advice.

"I've played tennis since I was 6, and I've competed in tournaments since I was 11," ManSonHing said. "The entire time, my father's always been there for me. He always pushes me to play better, but more than anything he tells me to always have a good attitude on the court and try my hardest. If I lose a match, it's okay as long as I played the game right."

Throughout her first three years in high school, ManSonHing has played on a team that can seemingly do no wrong, especially in league play, where the Coyotes haven't lost a match since 2002. In her first three years, the winning streak was considered taboo in conversations, but this season is a different story.

"I'm actually thinking about the streak a lot," Man-Son-Hing said. "It's gone on for so long, so there's a lot of pressure to not be on the team that ends it. It would be real nice to go my entire high school career without losing a league match."

In order to make sure that goal comes true, Man-Son-Hing has worked on her own tennis game more than usual this summer. Man-Son-Hing said she'll walk down the street to her local tennis center to practice at least five times a week.

"This summer I've been working a lot on my fitness," ManSon-Hing said. "I want to be in good shape for the entire season, especially the playoffs. I've also been working on my serve and going toward the net more."

Although Harper is serving as the Coyotes girls' head coach for the first time this fall, he has seen Man-Son-Hing play for years and has noticed a change in her game this summer.

"Her maturity level has changed," Harper said. "A lot of times you'll see a player really grow maturitywise in the summer between their junior and senior year. It's no different with (Man-Son-Hing)."

Man-Son-Hing will be a force this season playing singles, but she said she often misses doubles competition.

"I like doubles a lot because it's more of a team game and you're always playing with a friend," Man-Son-Hing said. "Still, I'll do anything to help this team win, and I can't wait for the season to start."