For every year since 2007, a girl wearing Raider red and gold has participated at the state tennis tournament.

That’s a record that is up there as one of the longest streaks in the state. It’s something that Thomas Jefferson High School seniors Mia Morgan and Caley Buchan don’t take lightly — and they are ready for it.

“I think there was pressure last year. (Head Coach Andrew Buchan’s) goal is to win league and then get us to state. I feel stronger as a player and want to hold myself up to that. Last year I definitely got nervous, but now I deal with it. I get it, it’s fun,” Mia Morgan said.

Coach Buchan made an adjustment maybe earlier than he thought he would have, and combined his two best talents on a doubles team. The idea is to help them win another league title, something Thomas Jefferson girls tennis is known for.

“I guess there is a little bit of expectation for us, but he (Coach Buchan) trains us well. His players play tennis all year round and that’s why they go to state,” Caley said about her uncle.

Buchan has tennis in her blood, as the niece of Coach Andrew Buchan and part of a family that breathes tennis — her cousins Elden and Jake reached the state tournament in 2019 for Decatur.

On April 4, the Raiders took on Kentlake in a non-league contest. The Raiders won three of the five varsity matches on the afternoon.

It was the first time Morgan and Buchan had played together this year. Buchan had played primarily singles up to this point, while Morgan has been playing doubles all year. Buchan has lost just once this year, but Morgan is undefeated so far.

“My season’s been pretty smooth,” Morgan said. “I’m undefeated right now and my goal is to stay that way.”

Morgan and Buchan played nearly perfect tennis. Both girls hit first serves at over 80% and only missed a single service return in the entire two set match. The doubles team won 6-0, 6-0 in their match against Kentlake’s number one doubles team.

Freshman Jacque DeRoche won her match as the second singles against the Falcons. She also made quick work of her opponent, winning 6-2, 6-2.

“She could be something very special,” Coach Buchan said of his freshman.

The winning match was the third doubles contest between the Raiders and the Falcons. The duo of sophomores, Emily Belleque and Malakai Lucero, took home the non-league contest for the Raiders, winning 6-2, 6-1.

The last time the Raiders had a team place in state was back in 2019, when Ally Peterson and Mia Rosa took sixth place at the 4A state tournament. This duo is hoping to place this year.

“I think the extra commitment that Caley and I put in, at least two hours every day, can help us find success,” Morgan said.

Their next match is April 13 against Federal Way at home.