By TRAVIS DOWNEY

Northwest Florida Daily News
315-4476 | travisd@nwfdailynews.com

While they will soon find themselves on opposite ends of a bitter rivalry, South Walton's Alexa Guarachi and Choctawhatchee's Zack Coker can find common ground in the success each enjoyed during their senior tennis seasons.

Guarachi, who earlier this year signed a tennis scholarship at the University of Alabama, captured the overall state singles title while helping guide South Walton to a No. 2 state team finish.

Coker, who will attend Auburn University in the fall, capped his rise through the Indians' program with a 5-3 record in District 1-3A singles including wins over fellow No. 1's at both Fort Walton Beach and Niceville before reaching the semifinals of the district tournament.

For their efforts, Guarachi and Coker have been named this year's All Sports Association/Daily News Tennis Players of the Year.

Labeled as a "grinder" by his coach, Adrianna Segura, Coker entered his senior campaign focused on improving his game while at the same time helping his younger teammates develop.

"He had a lot of pressure on him," Segura said. "He was very supportive and was always a really good leader with everyone else. He has that drive."

That drive helped Coker finish his time at Choctaw with his finest season yet.

"I went from having really long matches to really (shortening) them up," Coker joked. "It was enjoyable being able to go out and compete at this level. I don't know if I'll ever get that again."

The culmination of her senior season only marks a new beginning for Guarachi's days on the court.

Guarachi plans on spending her summer competing in professional tournaments before joining the Crimson Tide in August. Still, after previously being home-schooled, Guarachi called her one half year at South Walton "a great experience."

"For so long I've been playing for myself; to play for something bigger and see how it's going to be like next year was great," said Guarachi, who was undefeated this year. "I enjoyed being a senior and trying to take it all in being back at school."

Her coach, Scott Michie, spoke similarly of watching the local phenom power past opponents seemingly at will to become the state's top singles player.

"I've been to the U.S. Open," Michie said, "(and) she plays that level of tennis, she really does. She could easily enter into the professional ranks."

For now, Guarachi plans to focus on improving her game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., while pursuing a degree in pre-law with hopes of one day becoming a sports agent.

"At Alabama I'm going to have a chance to get even better and see how far (tennis) can take me," Guarachi said. "If I have the opportunity (to play professionally), I definitely would."

Girls

First team

Alexandra Alford, South Walton

Brooke Durden, South Walton

Alexa Guarachi, South Walton

Cecily Kersey, FWB

Jacqueline March, South Walton

Moya Moore, Crestview

Honorable Mention

Choctaw: Kelsey Bennett, Marlow Garner, Sandra Pattison

Crestview: Cora Merritt, Sidney Pinkert

Freeport: Nikki Blalock

FWB: Ali Adams, Dani Adams, Molly McCombs

Navarre: none reported

Niceville: Monique Kessler, Mariah Marshall

South Walton: Katelynn Marcum

Walton: Taylor Johnson

Boys

First team

Zack Coker, Choctaw

Barry Dylewski, Niceville

Derek Fannin, Freeport

Curtis Miller, Walton

Drew Morrison, FWB

Bret Nesbitt, South Walton

Honorable Mention

Choctaw: Will Boyt, Jordan Coker, Ara Walker

Crestview: Mitch Petosky, Sy Pinkert

Freeport: Boo Coleman

FWB: Drew Chase, Andrew Decotis, Kevin De Moya Chase Yakaboski

Navarre: none reported

Niceville: Stephen Farrell, Michael Postgate

South Walton: none reported

Walton: Zack Baker, Cameron Cosson, Heath Morgan, Curtis Miller