Mannix leaves HHS courts as best ever

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

By: Rudy Brandl
   Emily Mannix experienced many different emotions during her final high school tennis match against Watchung Hills.
   The Hillsborough High senior, a four-year standout at first singles, felt proud of what she had accomplished during a career that ranks as the finest in school history. Mannix was sad because she knew it was about to end. She even started crying during her final match point against Diana Shapoval of Watchung, whom she defeated in straight sets.
   When Shapoval hit the ball into the net, Mannix left the court with tears in her eyes after completing a fabulous career that includes 86 victories and two top-eight placements in the state singles tournament. That body of work makes Mannix most deserving of the final Hillsborough Beacon Athlete of the Week award of the fall scholastic season.
   "I’m happy with how I did, but I’m so upset that it’s over," Mannix said. "I started crying during that last point because I knew it was the last point I would play in high school tennis. It’s been a great time."
   Hillsborough fans and head coach Larry Johnson certainly have enjoyed watching Mannix blossom into one of the finest players in New Jersey. She’s been the face of HHS tennis during the last four years, a time during which the Raiders have finished second in the Central Jersey Group 4 Championships three times.
   "Every now and then, a player comes along and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime player that defines a program," Johnson said. "Emily came in with the fanfare of a superstar and she defined the program as a freshman. She’s gotten better every year."
   Mannix made headlines every season and recalled one special moment from each year. As a freshman, she defeated East Brunswick’s Anna Tarasova in the decisive match of the CJ 4 semifinals. In her sophomore season, Mannix beat Marlboro’s Kendall Rufner in a huge CJ 4 match. Mannix qualified for the NJSIAA quarterfinals in her junior and senior years but making it that far for the first time was the highlight of her third varsity season.
   This fall, Mannix again finished in the top eight in the state and placed second in Somerset County behind Bernards star Lindsay Clark. Mannix never defeated Clark but came closer every time, including losses of 7-5 and 7-6 (7-2) in the opening sets of their last two meetings.
   "Getting so close to beating Lindsay was great but also very frustrating," Mannix said.
   Mannix will continue her tennis career at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. She will be attending UM-BC on a full scholarship. While she’s excited about her future, Mannix had the time of her life as a scholastic tennis star.
   "It’s been a pleasure playing for Hillsborough and Mr. Johnson," Mannix said. "It was the greatest."