Graduating Ardmore High School senior Kebene Wolabu held down the No. 1 doubles spot for the Tigers tennis team with teammate Amerie Kinney.

Wolabu and Kinney paired for three years in doubles. As a junior, Wolabu placed fifth at the state tournament with Kinney.

“Amerie is an unmatched partner. We were already close friends before, but after spending hours playing with her, it’s like having a sister,” Wolabu said. “She gets on my nerves all the time and whatnot, and I do too. I will treasure her friendship forever.”

The duo reached the state tournament again this spring but lost to McGuinness, the eventual seventh-place champion, after the Tigers lost to semifinalist Carl Albert in the opening round.

“The experience of competing at state is very exciting,” Wolabu said. “Every practice and tournaments all teach you skills that you will use at state.”

“To be an Ardmore Tiger means to be strong, courageous and loyal.”

Wolabu also finished her high school academic career atop her class as an Ardmore class of 2023 valedictorian. It was one of her proudest accomplishments.

“This student-athlete is one of the top in her class academically. Kebene works hard on and off the court. She strives to be better every day in everything she does,” Ardmore tennis coach Alex Morales said. “She is normally the last to leave the courts, working on serves and returns with her doubles partner, Amerie. If I had to trust anyone on the court to get to every single ball, it would be her.”

Wolabu plans to finish her general course at Oklahoma City Community College this fall before transferring to the University of Oklahoma next spring to pursue a degree in biology.