Senior varsity tennis player Stacy Denysenko has built her Claremore High School career around poise, personality and a fierce competitive streak that her teammates and coaches have come to depend on. On a sport’s biggest points, she leans on the lessons the game has taught her.
“Tennis taught me how to stay calm and patient under pressure,” Denysenko said.
Denysenko, a member of the Lady Zebras, describes herself as the teammate who changes the energy on the court and at practice. “I would describe my role on this team as someone who brings energy, confidence and personality every single day,” she said. “As Coach Grubbs says, I’m the ‘DIVA’ of the team, but to me, that means bringing passion, high standards and a competitive spirit that pushes everyone to be better.”
That mindset has helped produce results. Denysenko counts qualifying for the state championship and placing third at the regional championship as a sophomore among her proudest accomplishments. Along the way, she has leaned on doubles partner Libbie Jones when the moment feels overwhelming.
“The teammate who has left the biggest impression on me is my doubles partner, Libbie Jones,” Denysenko said. “Libbie is the one who knows how to help me out when I am stressed on the court, and she knows how to cheer me up.”
Denysenko’s support system extends well beyond the fence. She points to her parents as her biggest inspiration and says they have been there for every step of her tennis journey. “They are always there for me, and they support me in my tennis journey,” she said.
She also credits theater director Ruiel Doonkeen as her favorite teacher for always listening and offering advice, and she looks up to Serena Williams for what the tennis legend represents. “I look up to Serena Williams because she represents far more than athletic greatness; she represents strength, resilience and confidence,” Denysenko said.
As her senior season unfolds, Denysenko is focused on the legacy she leaves for younger players in the Claremore program. “My favorite part about representing Claremore High School as an athlete is being a positive example for the underclassmen, especially the younger girls, by giving them an older female role model they can look up to and feel inspired by,” she said. “I’m so grateful to my family for supporting me and coming to all of my tennis tournaments,” Denysenko said. “I also want to sincerely thank Coach Grubbs for guiding me and pushing me toward success.”
