Warren Central High School junior Samaya Smith has etched her name in the history books as the school’s first tennis player to win the IHSAA State Championship – an extraordinary accomplishment fueled by resilience, sacrifice and family support.
“I’m so proud to represent Warren,” said Smith, glowing with joy after clinching the title. “To be the first from my school to win state in tennis – it’s an incredible feeling.”
But her journey to the top wasn’t always a straight line. Last year, Samaya Smith stepped away from tennis to join her sisters to win a state title in track.
“We only had one year for all of them to run together,” said her father, Stephen Smith. “She gave up her tennis season for her sisters, and that meant everything.”
Returning to tennis wasn’t easy.
“Her game dropped a lot,” Stephen Smith added. “She was disappointed, and honestly, a little upset. But she worked – hard.”
Samaya Smith spent countless hours on the court and credits much of her breakthrough to her coaches, especially her work with sports psychologist Austin Halcomb.
“Tennis is so mental,” she said. “Learning how to let go of mistakes, staying composed – that changed everything. Austin helped me handle adversity during matches.”
Her mom, LeGretta Smith, agreed.
“Tennis is personal,” LeGretta Smith said. “It’s just you out there. But she kept her emotions in check. And when she won? I saw her just let it out. It was beautiful.”
The state final was a rollercoaster. Down early in the first set, Samaya Smith regrouped and clawed her way back.
“I was so nervous,” she admitted. “But I stuck to the game plan, found her (the opponent’s) weaknesses, and just focused on one point at a time.”
The championship point was unforgettable.
“I was tired. I was hot. But I told myself, ‘Don’t miss.’ I hit that forehand winner, and my legs just gave out. I squatted down and screamed – I was so relieved.”
Now, as only the thirds Black female tennis player in Indiana to win the state title, Samaya Smith is embracing her role as an inspiration.
“I hope other girls at Warren and beyond can see this and believe they can do it too.”
As for what’s next?
“We’ll focus on summer tournaments, but going back-to-back? That’s not off the table,” Samaya Smith said.
From family sacrifice to personal redemption, Samaya Smith’s journey is more than a championship – it’s a legacy in the making.
This story was originally published by the Indy Far East Magazine.
Dennis Jarrett is the editor-in-chief of the Indy Far East Magazine, a digital platform and magazine dedicated to telling positive stories about Indianapolis' Eastside.
