Athlete of the Week: Ava Krug

Nine-year-old Ava Krug captured the Little Mo Florida Sectional 9U Girls “The Road to the 17th Annual Little Mo Nationals” tennis championship July 12 and July 13, at Serendipity Country Club in Sarasota.

The Out-of-Door Academy third-grader defeated Ponte Vedra Beach’s Natalie Outcalt 6-0, 6-1 in the quarterfinals.

She then beat Naples’ Lily Dounchis 6-3, 6-0 in the semifinals before beating Naples’ Sia Dihenia 6-0, 6-0 in the finals.

By winning the Florida sectional, Krug, who practices six to seven days a week at the Lakewood Ranch Athletic Center, qualified for the Little Mo East Regionals July 26 through July 28, at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

I was really excited because I really wanted to win this tournament. I trained hard to win it, and I did.

It was the first championship that I ever won, so it means a lot. I trained a lot and worked hard to get it. It was definitely hard because the competition was a little better than the rest of the competitions I’ve played in.

I started playing tennis when I was about 5 years old because my mom (Sherri Vitale Krug) did it and my older brothers (Connor and Jake) play. I liked it right away. I like the competitions the most. I just like trying to win, and I love playing matches.

I look up to my cousin Sydney Sforzo because she’s really good at tennis. We see each other a lot, and she always talks to me about the game (itself).

The biggest thing I’ve learned is not to look tired. If you look tired, then your opponent gets excited, and they start to get up and start hitting.

I’m looking forward to playing in the (East Regional) and trying to win. I don’t get nervous when I’m on the court because I know I’m going to do well. I just always try my hardest.