Double the sports for Cedar Rapids Washington's top girls' tennis tandem

CEDAR RAPIDS – Most people would consider two exams, a tennis meet in Waterloo and a soccer game in Cedar Rapids a busy week.

Kelly King and Hannah Sherman call it, "Tuesday."

For the past three years, the Cedar Rapids Washington juniors have successfully juggled the rigors of schoolwork with simultaneous spring participation on both the girls' soccer and girls' tennis teams for the Warriors.

'It's hard, but I think it's a lot of fun,' Sherman said. 'It forces you to always be on your 'A' game, focus, get enough sleep. I enjoy it.'

Thursday will be all tennis as the doubles partners try to qualify for the individual state tournament in a Class 2A regional meet at Pleasant Valley High School.

'We love playing together,' King said. 'We've been friends for so long and we've played together for so long, so hopefully we get in the game and do really well. That's what I'm hoping.'

As the two mainstays from Washington's 2014 state championship roster, Sherman and King have tilted their 2016 schedule more toward tennis to provide essential, experienced leadership for a team without seniors.

'They're our best players,' first-year Washington girls' tennis coach John Gianforte said. 'Very good leaders. They do a fantastic job with their preparation. Even though they are playing soccer, they still find ways to get on that tennis court and make sure they're fully prepared. They've just been wonderful for our entire team.'

Sherman is tied for second on the soccer team with five goals and plays No. 1 singles in tennis. King is undefeated at No. 2 singles and is a rugged soccer defender. Balancing same-day tennis meets and soccer games three hours and, on occasion, two cities apart requires a unique level of commitment and management.

'You've just got to eat the right foods, get some energy and definitely sleep is super-important but it's kind of hard with homework,' King said with a laugh.

King and Sherman are both two-time state tennis qualifiers, but this will be the first year they attempt to qualify together in doubles. Sherman was a state doubles semifinalist last season.

'I'm excited,' Sherman said. 'Kell is obviously a fantastic player so I'll really have to step my game up to her level and I think we can go pretty far.'

Kennedy and Western Dubuque will join Washington at Pleasant Valley, while Prairie is at Waterloo West.

Jefferson, Iowa City High, Iowa City West and Linn-Mar are at Ottumwa.

The majority of area 1A schools are at Camanche, including Cedar Rapids Xavier, Independence, Maquoketa, Marion, Mount Vernon and Union Community.

Waterloo Columbus hosts South Tama and Oelwein, while Decorah visits Waverly-Shell Rock.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com