Anni Amalnathan embracing the pressure that comes with leading Saint Joseph girls tennis
The senior star wants to make sure that her final go around for the tradition-rich Huskies is an enjoyable one.
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Last spring: Saint Joseph girls tennis claims elusive state title with 3-2 decision over Fishers
"This is the last time together with my high school friends, and I want to make sure to enjoy it and have fun," Amalnathan said. "I just want to go out there and be the best that I can be. I also want what is best for our team."
A decorated career
Amalnathan has known nothing but success at St. Joe. She posted a 27-1 mark at No. 1 doubles as a freshman in 2022. Anni teamed with older sister, Ashi, to go 18-0 and win the No. 1 doubles state championship in that season.
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She then was 28-1 in 2023, going 19-0 at No. 3 singles and 9-1 at No. 2 singles. Amalnathan was 28-1 at No. 3 singles in 2024, playing behind senior stars Molly Bellia and Ashi as the Huskies won the team state championship.
Amalnathan has moved into the No. 1 singles spot this season for her team. She admits that there are more eyeballs on her now to succeed for a squad that was 77-9-1 the past four seasons and has been to the State Finals each of the past four years, with runner up finishes in both 2021 and 2023.
"There is definitely pressure," Amalnathan said. "Molly and Ashi were definitely great players and definitely made a name for themselves. Now, I'm the captain and I'm in a new spot at No. 1 and playing the top players on every team.
"I have a lot of belief in myself and that's what I need to focus on. I need to learn from my losses and keep looking forward."
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Amalnathan started the year 4-0 before losing three of four matches against top flight competition. She lost versus the top player from No. 4 Westfield April 25 and then to players from No. 6 Fishers and No. 10 Columbus North in the loaded Park Tudor Invitational April 26.
Longtime Saint Joseph coach Bill Mountford isn't concerned about the losses.
"Anni will be fine," said Mountford the day after his team placed third in the Park Tudor event. "Honestly, this was a bump in the road. She did not play her best and lost to some very good players.
"Is Anni one of the best players in the state? Yes she is. She knows what it takes and will go back to work and put in the time on her game. She has all the shots and the game to do it. She just needs to get her mojo back."
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Amalnathan bounced back after the tough go down South by winning Monday versus Elkhart and Tuesday versus Culver Academy. The Huskies, who were ranked No. 15 in the latest coaches poll, are 6-1 through Wednesday's matches. An expected showdown with rival Penn Thursday, May 1 was postponed to Tuesday, May 6, due to weather.
"Playing at No. 1 singles is a whole different ballgame, and Anni is learning that," Mountford stated. "It makes a difference when you are playing every team's best player every match.
Then-Saint Joseph junior Anni Amalnathan pumps her fist after scoring a point during a girls tennis semistate match against Carmel Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Culver Academies in Culver.
"The thing about Anni is that she knows her way around the court. She has a complete game. It's just all about her confidence. She beat a good player (in the win at Culver Academy) and played a lot better. It was fun to see her figure it out."
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Amalnathan admitted that she had almost decided not to play collegiate tennis until opting to commit to Colorado State.
"I contemplated quitting tennis and just playing club in college," Amalnathan explained. "But then I found I loved the game. I'm so excited now to play for Colorado State. I fell in love with the environment there on my visit and the coaches there are just the sweetest people."
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Amalnathan did note that she does miss playing with her sister and Bellia. Ashi is now playing at South Carolina State, while Bellia is at the United States Naval Academy. Bellia played No. 1 singles each of the past four years and was the individual state champion in 2021.
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"Ashi and Molly were the best role models, and I learned a lot from both of them," Amalnathan said. "Molly had grit and perseverance and never gave up. Ashi was able to bounce back from tough things."
Amalnathan has been around the game her entire life. Her father Arul currently teaches tennis in South Carolina. He used to be a teaching pro at the South Bend Racquet Club.
Amalnathan is keeping things in perspective as the Huskies chase another long postseason run starting later this month. She will also try to navigate through the No. 1 singles tournament as well.
"The obvious goal is to win state," Amalnathan said. "That's always the goal. But tennis isn't everything."
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Mountford praised the makeup of his top player on a team that boasts some strong underclassmen like sophomore Libby Yergler and freshman Coco Burfien.
"Anni is definitely a team kid," Mountford said. "She has a great attitude. The right attitude. She's a tennis rat and a bright kid."
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Anni Amalnathan is making sure to enjoy her final prep tennis season
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