Claire Rawlins, a 2025 Salem High graduate, is the Virginia High School League Class 4 state runner-up in girls’ singles tennis. Claire made it all the way to the championship match at Huntingto Park in Newport News, VA last week.
After winning the Region 4D championship Claire qualified for the state “Final Four” with a 14-2 season record in singles. She took on Mikayla Hogue of Jamestown in the state semifinals on Friday and won convincingly, 6-2, 6-0.
“We knew that if Claire stuck to her game, staying consistent and making her opponent work, she would have a solid chance,” said Salem High girls’ tennis coach Jill Perez. “While she may not be the most powerful player on the court, Claire is undoubtedly one of the most consistent. Her ability to chase down balls and keep them deep frustrates opponents who thrive on pace, and it’s a strategy that has served her well. Her consistency pressured her opponent into going for too much, resulting in a high number of unforced errors while Claire stayed composed, executed the game plan and let her opponent make the mistakes.”
In the other semifinal Izzy Rotaru of Broad Run steamrolled Marina Lee of Atlee High, 6-0, 6-0, setting up a Rawlins-Rotaru championship on Saturday. Rotaru, a high level tournament player who is a Mary Washington commit, was able to defeat Rawlins by a 6-1, 6-1 score and win the state championship.
“The final score may not reflect how competitive the match truly was,” said Perez. “Claire made her opponent work for every point. She played with heart and determination, making her opponent earn every point for the win.”
Rawlins brought home the silver medal and finished the season with a 15-3 singles record.
“I am extremely proud of how Claire played in the postseason,” said Perez. “Claire represented Salem girls’ tennis very well this season.”
