Wiese Wins New York State Singles Title
It was a season to remember for the Garden City girls’ tennis team. The Trojans won the Conference IIB title with an undefeated regular season record, reached the Nassau County Large School Championship, and also won the singles and doubles titles at the Individual Championships.
Senior Nina Wiese added one more accolade to this season as she captured the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) singles title, defeating Olivia Dartawan of Niskayuna 6-1, 6-1 in the championship. That victory came on the heels of her 7-5, 6-4 win over defending champion Victoria McEnroe in the semifinals. 
“I just tried to play my best each match and take it one point at a time,” said Wiese, who won the title on her birthday. “I didn’t want to think too far ahead into the future and just focused on the match in front of me. Winning that semifinal match was big and it definitely helped me on Saturday in the finals, knowing that I played my best tennis and could continue that into the next day.”
Garden City head coach Crystal Boyd added:
“She’s such a smart player. She moves her opponent all over the court, and you can see how she sets up her shots, and disguises them well. She has every shot in her arsenal and it makes her very tough to play against.”
Wiese advanced to the NYSPHSAA Championships thanks to her victory in the Nassau County Individual Championships. In that tournament, she defeated North Shore’s Kailin Goncha in the championship match. Wiese and Gochna qualified for the NYSPHSAA Individual Championships, as did Angel Walia of Herricks, who defeated Lee in the third-place match.
Her state title victory capped off what was a fantastic high school career for Wiese. She had always wanted to compete in the NYSPHSAA Championships while growing up in Queens. When she moved to Long Island prior to her freshman season, she was excited for the opportunity to play at States.
However, a torn ACL just prior to her freshman season forced her out of action in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. When she returned in her junior season, she was motivated to be able to get to the State tournament, and did so thanks to a third-place finish in the Nassau County event last season.
This year, she took it further, wrapping up her high school career with a state title, the first tennis state champion for Garden City since Kelsey Raynor and Jacqueline Raynor won doubles in 2008.
“It was so amazing to do well this season, especially with my teammates. Missing those first two years of my career made the last two years even more fun,” said Wiese, who will be headed to the University of Nebraska Omaha for her collegiate tennis. “I couldn’t ask for anything more than to finish my career like this. I am definitely going to miss being with the team, the bus rides, the late-night dinners, all of that is the best part of playing high school tennis. Even if I didn’t win counties or states, or any of these titles, I wouldn’t have regretted any of it.”
