In the realm of high school tennis, two standout student-athletes are making waves as captains of their respective teams this spring. Ryder Zufi and Samantha Fleming, both seniors in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at North Atlanta High School, epitomize dedication and leadership on the court and classroom. Fleming’s transition from JV player to varsity star and Zufi journey from injury setback to varsity captain showcase their unwavering commitment to the sport. As the season winds down with playoffs in full swing, Zufi and Fleming’s guidance continues to inspire their teams toward success.
As captain of the men’s team, Zufi commands the court with a formidable presence. Renowned for his powerful forehand that often proves challenging for opponents to return, Zufi’s dominance as a singles player was nearly unparalleled during his junior year, with a near-perfect record. His journey in tennis began in fifth grade, where his passion for the sport blossomed through rigorous training sessions and summer academies. However, adversity struck in 2021 when a spinal fracture sidelined him for several months, a stark reminder of the demands of high-level competition. Despite the challenges of balancing tennis with the rigors of the IB Diploma Program, Zufi’s dedication and perseverance shine through. “Balancing any sport with IB isn’t easy, and tennis isn’t any different,” said Zufi. “However, I feel like I managed to do it pretty well and I’m proud of the progress I made both academically and athletically.”
Fleming is renowned for her powerful serve and unwavering dedication both on and off the court. Partnered with junior Mary Woodward in doubles play for the past two years, Fleming thrives on their strong bond and shared passion for the game. Beyond the high school season, Fleming actively participates in ALTA and USTA leagues during the summer and offseason, alongside competing in UTR tournaments. Despite the demanding schedule, Fleming maintains an impressive academic record, consistently achieving straight As and earning prestigious awards like the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit Award and the Susan B. Anthony Award. “Tennis has been a big part of my life for the past four years and I’ve made some great friends on the team,” said Fleming. “Senior Night this past week made me realize how close the season is to ending, which is definitely sad, but I look forward to seeing what the team will do next year and what leaders emerge.”
As the final set of their high school tennis careers nears its end, Fleming and Zufi face the excitement and uncertainty of college decisions. Fleming will dearly miss team dinners, while Zufi cherishes the camaraderie with his teammates. Eager to continue the game’s team spirit in college, they’re ready to smash whatever challenges come their way rallying for the next chapter of life.
