Superior-Alberton's Comeback Kids

Superior High School senior’s Hillary Stevens and Myranda Kuhl had their first experience playing doubles tennis together at the state tournament freshman year.

Although the tournament did not end in a championship, both Kuhl and Stevens said playing together the first time at state things clicked and the two have been dominating as a doubles team ever since.

“We knew each other, we knew how we played,” Kuhl said of the first time the two played doubles tennis together.

This season, the duo has been a force to be reckoned with – only losing one match the entire season, while earning their doubles nickname of “The Comeback Kids.”

“Last year we would always be really far behind and we would always win,” Kuhl said. “That’s how we got it.”

When asked what their favorite memory is of playing tennis together for three years, Stevens immediately spoke up and laughingly said it was when Kuhl “would hit me with the ball on accident.”

The two take a relaxed approach when playing tennis and are often seen laughing and chatting in between points, which has led to a few memorable moments.

“One time I told her to hit the line on a serve one game and she missed it and when I yelled at her she said ‘don’t talk to me,’” Kuhl said. “The next game we were playing and I was behind her and she went for it and missed the ball and then looked at me and asked me why I didn’t say I was behind her. I said ‘you told me not to talk to you.’”

The laid back style has worked for Stevens and Kuhl and Stevens said it is important for her game that she be relaxed on the court.

“It’s important that I don’t get so uptight about it,” Stevens said. “I totally play better when I’m just having fun.”

Kuhl agreed with Stevens and while the two keep things relaxed on the court, they both still have big goals for the season.

“We want to place in state at least,” Stevens said. “I think number one is within our reach.”

If the two reach their goals this season it will be because of the strong bond they have built on the court over the years of competing together.

“I always know I can count on her and she can count on me,” Kuhl said.

“We know how to work together in a way that makes us stronger,” Stevens added. “I know I am not the best by myself but together we are a lot stronger.”

On top of the talent the two have brought out in each other over the years, both said Head Coach Rick Berreth has been instrumental in their development.

“He is an awesome coach,” Stevens said.

“It’s insane,” Kuhl said of Coach Berreth’s instruction. “He knows more about tennis than anyone I know.”

Even though the two have not attempted to play each other in a singles match, Stevens immediately said Kuhl would win but both agreed it would be a memorable match for the banter alone.

In two weeks the doubles squad will head to the state tournament and shortly after will graduate from Superior High School.

Kuhl has accepted a scholarship to play tennis at Spokane Community College where she will major in elementary education and Stevens will be attending Appalachian State University and said she wants to continue playing tennis for fun.