Daily Breeze All-Area girls tennis: Palos Verdes’ Stella Simpson-Morgan is the player of the year

Key Takeaways:

• Historic Achievement: Simpson-Morgan became the first Palos Verdes player since 1983 to win the CIF-SS doubles championship.
• Exceptional Record: She finished the season with an outstanding 67-2 record, leading her team to a 27-0 season.
• Team Leadership: Her ability to win with various partners highlighted her versatility and team-first mentality.
• Coach’s Praise: Coach Wade Murphy commended her maturity and impact on and off the court.
• Personal Journey: Moving from Australia just before high school, she quickly adapted and excelled in a new environment.

A Historic Journey to the Top

When senior tennis star Stella Simpson-Morgan stepped onto the courts for Palos Verdes High School, few could have predicted the historic season that lay ahead. Finishing with an exceptional 67-2 record, Simpson-Morgan not only led her team to an undefeated 27-0 season but also etched her name into the school’s history books.

“We found a way through all the training and tournaments,” Simpson-Morgan reflected. “Some of my matches were close, but I always found a way to win.”

Dominance from the Start

Coach Wade Murphy first glimpsed the magnitude of Simpson-Morgan’s talent at the Golden State Classic showcase in early September. “The first indicator we had about how good she was came in Northern California,” he remarked. “We were playing against some of the top teams in that tournament, and she dominated. We kept rotating partners, and she won with everyone.”

Her performance there set the tone for a season where dominance became the norm.

Versatility and Team Spirit

Throughout the season, Simpson-Morgan showcased remarkable versatility by rotating partners and consistently delivering victories. Whether paired with regular teammate Aileana McFerson or teaming up with the squad’s No. 9 player, Sofia LeGallo, she maintained her winning ways. Against Los Altos, with a chance to complete only the second undefeated season in Southern California tennis history, Simpson-Morgan and LeGallo swept their matches 6-0, 6-0.

“There was no letup in her game. She dominated whatever scenario she was in,” Murphy noted.

Her ability to seamlessly integrate with different teammates highlighted her leadership and commitment to the team’s success.

Historic Achievements

The pinnacle of her season came when she became the first Sea King since 1983 to win the CIF-Southern Section doubles championship. Teaming up with Cassie Blakey, they defeated Notre Dame/Sherman Oaks’ Alexandra and Kingsley Wolf in a thrilling match that ended 6-5, 2-6, 7-5.

“There were so many great players in that tournament,” Simpson-Morgan said. “It was pretty amazing.”

Comparisons were drawn to tennis great Stella Sampras, who also claimed the CIF-SS Doubles crown as a freshman in 1983. “It’s amazing,” Simpson-Morgan expressed. “A real honor to be even mentioned in the same sentence as Stella Sampras.”

From Australia to California

Remarkably, Simpson-Morgan’s journey began just before her freshman year when she moved from Australia to California. Adapting quickly to a new country and competitive environment, she became a cornerstone of the Palos Verdes tennis program.

Coach’s Perspective and Team Triumphs

Coach Wade Murphy, named Coach of the Year, attributes much of the team’s success to Simpson-Morgan’s maturity and influence. “It wasn’t just on the court but off as well,” he said. “How she dealt with her teammates, her commitment to be team-first, and her game—it was fantastic to see.”

Under Murphy’s guidance, Palos Verdes had a season for the ages. The team became the first to win the CIF-SS Open Division, CIF SoCal Open Division Regional, and a CIF State championship in the same season. They also secured victories at the Golden State Classic and the Point Loma Invitational.

“It was a truly remarkable season, and this was historic,” Murphy reflected. “The girls really did something amazing, and in undefeated fashion.”

A Legacy of Excellence

As she looks ahead to continuing her tennis career, Simpson-Morgan leaves behind a legacy of excellence, teamwork, and historic achievements at Palos Verdes High School. Her story is one of adaptability, determination, and an unwavering drive to succeed.

“We got the job done and it helped us win,” she said modestly of her contributions.

Her journey serves as an inspiration, not just in the realm of sports but as a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and a team-centric approach.