Lake Stevens senior, Everett DeLeon served up his opponents left and right all year long, earning himself a spot in the WIAA Tennis State Tournament. But it is important to acknowledge all of Lake Stevens post season successes this year. The boys’ Vikings tennis team was able to have four players land a spot in districts this year: sophomore Andrew Hein and seniors Rett Stevens, Max Hein and Everett DeLeon. DeLeon will have to wait until the spring to compete in his State Tournament when the sport reconvenes.

The Vikings tennis team is under the coaching of Steve Pitkin, who was recently the assistant coach for the team and moved his way up the chain this year. He seems to build an extremely strong connection with his players.

“Having a coach that helps me whenever I get down. Sometimes I feel like giving up, but he reminds me to play for my team and keep pushing,” DeLeon said.

Pitkin taught DeLeon to love the sport for more than just a game. DeLeon stated that he doesn’t plan on playing college tennis, but due to the love he has built for the sport he plans to join his college tennis club to stay involved in the sport. 

The Vikings had a rough season this year finishing with a 4-7 record overall with a 2-6 league record. But DeLeon has made great strides this season while landing his second spot in a row in districts. And now for the first time in high school, he is going to compete in the state competition. It is safe to say that all of Lake Stevens will be rooting for Everett DeLeon come the spring when the State Send-off Squad will send him off to State.