When Yifei, a powerhouse sophomore tennis player, picked up her racquet and stepped onto the court for the Class 1 State singles tennis tournament, she didn’t expect her match—or her victory—to come so fast. “I won 6-0, 6-0,” Yifei said excitedly. “I just remember thinking, oh, that was quick.” Quick or not, her victory for Principia was a years-long journey of dedication and commitment, making her the first girl ever to win a state tennis championship for Principia School.  

As with every top-notch athlete, Yifei’s success was rooted in focus, hard work, and dedication. The culmination—the title—was the fruition of her training and commitment. Yifei started playing tennis when she was eight and has been training at a local club with many of her best friends, who are also champions. 

Despite her dominant performance, Yifei admitted she was seriously nervous before her first match. “There were so many people watching—a whole balcony full, all the way to the door,” she said. “Before my first round, my resting heart rate was 179! I was that nervous.” 

Fortunately, Coach Terry McNabb (US’71, C’75) helped calm her nerves. “Coach is a super chill guy,” Yifei said. “He could tell I was nervous and made sure I talked to people who had been to State before. That really helped.” 

McNabb spoke about Yifie’s competitive nature, “One of her best attributes as a player is her mental strength. What feels like nerves to Yifei turns out to be eager excitement. That state of mind produces a focused, relaxed, powerful presence that takes over during big moments. That is a championship mindset.” 

Looking ahead, Yifei hopes to continue her tennis career at the collegiate level. More than anything, she is proud to represent Principia. “I’ve transferred schools four times in three years, and Prin is different,” she said. “I’ve gotten so many congratulations—it made me feel warm inside. Like, wow, they really care. It’s an honor bringing honor to Principia.” 

“In Principia's 127 history, there has never been a Girls Tennis State Champion at the School,” McNabb said. “I am so grateful to have been placed in a position where I could watch the whole journey, from first practice to State Championship match. Yifei deserves every moment of this victory.”