Jayda Stowell's Tennis Journey Transforms at Lansing Catholic

Entering her junior year at Lansing Catholic, Jayda Stowell was a complete novice in tennis, lacking any knowledge of scoring or prior experience in the sport. However, her friend Layla Corbit was determined to change that. For weeks leading up to the spring 2025 tryouts, Corbit encouraged a reluctant Stowell to take a chance on tennis. Unsure of her chances, Stowell ultimately decided to participate, thinking, "we'll see what happens."

What transpired over the next two seasons exceeded all expectations. Stowell not only made the team but also thrived on the court. She recently paired with Vivian Shulick to reach the No. 3 doubles semifinals at the Division 4 state finals, finishing the season with an impressive record of 23-3. Their combined performance over the last two years was remarkable, boasting a total of 43 wins against just four losses, including two regional championships. "I never thought I could make it that far or have that much success," Stowell reflected. "I never saw myself being one match away from being a state champion just a year after I signed up."

Lansing Catholic's coach, Mark West, was initially unaware of Stowell’s potential when she showed up for tryouts. However, her athleticism and competitive spirit quickly caught his eye. "It was one of those surprises where a junior comes out," West noted. "Then I started watching her, and it was like, 'Oh, I'm going to put her in the lineup.'”

Beyond her impressive skills on the court, Stowell emerged as a team captain for the Cougars this season. Her dedication and strong work ethic have played a crucial role in her rapid development in the sport. "For me, attitude and effort — those are the only two things you can control, and she just is the epitome of those," West commented. He praised her resilience, stating, "She's not going to get frustrated. It’s how can I make this better?" Stowell’s willingness to learn and embrace constructive feedback truly sets her apart.

Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway and Bluesky @briancalloway.