Smackover’s Taylor Darden has been doing a little bit of double duty. The senior has built a 14-1 singles record this tennis season. Simultaneously, she also rehabbed her shoulder after surgery.
Darden has had multiple shoulder surgeries so recovering from an injury has become old hat. On the tennis court, however, she said she’s probably playing her best.
Darden opens play Monday in the 3A State Tournament at Conway Tennis Center.
“My goal for the state tournament is to go farther than I went last year and preferably win state. The key is to really focus on my mechanics when I hit the ball and my placement or how I hit it,” said Darden, who won her third straight 3A 8 District singles championship.
“I feel like my tennis season this year has been the best one yet. I’ve gained a lot more knowledge for the game and my mechanics are so much better from practicing any chance I get. I’ve put a lot of work into tennis this season.”
Darden advanced to the state tournament in doubles as a freshman. She played singles the past two years and advanced to the quarterfinals of state last year.
“She is a competitive player. I think she’s stronger this year. She’s done a great job with her shoulder recovery and her rehab,” said Smackover coach Candy Phillips. “She’s hitting it good. Her footwork has improved this year and just her overall knowledge of the game comes with that experience. Her strength from having the experience last year and the physical therapy from her shoulder has made all the difference for her.”
Darden’s only loss this season was in a tiebreaker against Parkers Chapel’s Tatum Watson. She had six 6-0 sets during the regular season.
“I wish I had more tougher battles with tennis matches to get me prepared for state but I've played and practiced with Tatum Watson, which has been a lot of help and also Robert Holmes has had me play with some people to get me ready,” said Darden.
The four-sport athlete also plays softball, basketball and cheer. She’s worked hard to transform herself from an athlete with a racquet to an all-court tennis player. Athletic and tall enough to be an imposing figure at the net, Darden can also hold her own from the baseline.
Still, she knows she will have to take her game up a notch this week.
“There will be changes I have to make playing against the better competition,” Darden said. “I will have to read my opponent more, play smarter and have better placement. Being able to read my opponent will help me get a feel of what their best and worst shots are so it will tell me where to place my shot at.
“In my opinion the state tournament is more about strategy. You have to play smart instead of trying to hit it as hard as you can and go for the winning shot every time.”
This will be Darden’s final opportunity in a state tennis tournament. She would love to go out with a bang.
“I’m feeling pretty confident going into the state tournament but I'm also grateful to be going against some of the best in my division. Not many people get this opportunity. I think this will be my best year at state,” she said.
“I want to thank my teammates, my coaches, Robert Holmes, Casey Rapp, my parents, Precision One Therapy and everyone else that has helped me get to where I am and the level I'm at. I plan to practice all this week and get my mind set for state and come home bringing back the champion trophy for my school and myself.”