One of the Greats: School honors tennis champ Kim
“She is an all-time great not only because of her athletic success but her academic success in a period when the world changed because of COVID. ”
Katie Kim traded her racquet for a bouquet of flowers during a halftime ceremony at the Manteca High boys basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 18.
Kim was recognized by administrators for becoming the first player in school history to win back-to-back Sac-Joaquin Section individual championships. She was announced to the crowd during halftime of the varsity game and presented with a plaque.
The University of Pennsylvania-bound senior won Division II singles titles in 2021 and 2022, becoming the Buffaloes’ first section champion in 40 years. Ranata Scholl and Lynn Henderson won singles titles for the Manteca in 1982, and 1983, respectively.
“She is an all-time great,” Tolbert said, “not only because of her athletic success but her academic success in a period when the world changed because of COVID. Athletically, she is one of the greats with leading her teams to two VOL titles, one section title, and a Clovis Classic championship, as well as three years of individual success.
“Many athletes at MHS may have one of these titles they helped earn, but not multiple.”
Manteca High senior Katie Kim, a two-time Sac-Joaquin Section tennis champion, is flanked by her coaches, including MaryAnn Tolbert (far right) and Beto Lopez (far left).
In addition to her individual success, Kim guided Manteca to its first-ever team tournament title as a freshman at the California Classic Tournament in Clovis. That year, she quickly ascended to the top of the Buffaloes’ singles ladder. She lost just twice as a freshman, teamed up with Sahiba Kaur to win the Valley Oak League Doubles Tournament, and played an integral part in the team’s third section title in four years.
After a COVID-shortened sophomore year, Kim went undefeated in league play over her final two seasons, earning VOL MVP honors and lifting the VOL Singles trophy twice.
“She didn’t allow a rebuilding year to stop her but only to inspire her teammates to put in more off-season time to improve,” Tolbert said. “She is special because she really doesn’t how successful and inspiring she has been. She just does what feels is right, and in doing so, demonstrates her athleticism, academics, humor and above all else, her kindness. She is exceptional in so many ways.”