Hard work pays off for Honkers’ star

Determination, hard work and a never-say-die attitude.

For Yuba City High senior Shannon Cassidy, these have been the key ingredients to success on the tennis court in her four-year career with the Honkers.

Cassidy went 15-0 for the Honkers and was the Tri-County Conference (TCC) champion for the second straight year.

She reached the Sac-Joaquin Section final two of the last three years. She also reached the semifinal as a freshman.

For her accolades, Cassidy has been named the 2007-08 Appeal-Democrat Girls Tennis Player of the Year for the second straight year.

In her four years at Yuba City, Cassidy went 55-3 in league play.

"I just practiced every day and always tried to focus on what I needed to improve on," Cassidy said. "Staying out after practice, working out every day, those kind of things really help."

Cassidy also plays with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) during the offseason to improve her game. With the USTA, Cassidy competed against some of the best tennis players in Northern California.

"It really helped playing tournaments all year around," Cassidy said. "It just kept my game up and helped to get me ready when the season came around."

Patricia Kiehn just finished her first year as head coach of Yuba City's girls tennis team and was an assistant during Cassidy's first three years.

Kiehn said Cassidy is a unique athlete because of her dedication to the sport and intense work ethic.

"She's just a very hard worker," Kiehn said. "She always strives to be the best."

Cassidy is headed to the University of Nevada, Reno next season on a partial scholarship where she will be a member of the Division I Wolf Pack tennis team.

"She is going to be a great asset to their team," Kiehn said. "Shannon is an upbeat person and really cares about her teammates."

Sylvain Malroux is the women's tennis coach at Nevada. He said Cassidy's work ethic and dedication will translate to success at the Division I level.

"At this level you have to be willing to work extra," Malroux said. "I think she has that. She's going to make the transition easier than some other athletes."

Cassidy said she visited five schools in California, but felt Nevada was the perfect fit for her.

"I really like the coach a lot and I fell most comfortable there," Cassidy said. "The girls were really nice and made me feel like I belonged."

Cassidy' earned the shot at Reno despite coming off knee surgery from an injury sustained during her last game of the season.

"I've been rehabbing it for the last three months and it has just been getting stronger," Cassidy said. "I just stand out there and practice my technique, trying to get better and improved."

Malroux said Cassidy's ability to come back from her injury shows the type of work ethic he is looking for. Cassidy is already back on the treadmill and tennis courts three months after surgery.

"In this game you can't just be talented, you have to have commitment," Malroux said. "She has great commitment and is very involved with what she does."

Cassidy said she should be able to start playing matches again by September.

"I'm really excited playing top level girls in college," Cassidy said. "I'm ready to make new friendships and compete at the highest level I can."

Contact sports reporter Jimmy Graben at 749-4720 or at jgraben@appeal-democrat.com