Tennis state champions Hailey and Taryn Kerker have a special bond with each other and their sport. The siblings are not only twins, but have also been playing tennis together since they were very little.
They both started playing tennis when they were five years old and have been gradually upping the level of competition throughout the years. Hailey and Taryn began playing regularly towards the end of elementary school and started to compete in tournaments during middle school.
“I started playing tennis because of my grandpa, he played in college and he was the one that introduced [us],” Hailey Kerker said.
The twins have both been a part of the girls tennis team since their freshman year. During their time at Camas High School (CHS), the girls tennis team has had great success; both Hailey and Taryn being integral to the team’s successes, going on to win three state team titles during their high school career.
Taryn Kerker, has played doubles the past three years along with managing several other extracurriculars and school.
“I most enjoy the strategy part of the game, figuring out what my opponent is going to do and how to counter it,” Taryn Kerker said.
Hailey Kerker has played singles the past three years and won the state title her freshman and sophomore year and ended her junior year with a loss in a two point match.
“It’s a love-hate relationship, I love that I can control almost everything and I can determine if I win or lose, but that’s also really hard because it’s always my fault if I lose,” Hailey Kerker said.
Although Hailey and Taryn have been playing tennis together for the majority of their lives, it is quickly coming to an end, as the girls are both seniors.
Their head coach Jonathan Burton is optimistic about the upcoming high school tennis season.
“The girls have a good chance at doubles and singles victories. We are also hoping for a fourth consecutive state win,” Burton said.
After graduation, Taryn Kerker plans on going to a four year university, studying industrial engineering and possibly playing on the club tennis team.
“I am going to miss playing with Hailey because we have always done all our sports together and they are what has connected us even through vastly different interests,” Taryn Kerker said.
Hailey Kerker will be going on to play tennis at the University of Utah and plans to study business.
“I’m actually very sad, I’ve never had to live without her… I think even tennis will be harder because she’s always been with me when I’m playing tennis but I’m also excited to be able to venture out on my own,” Hailey Kerker said.
