SALEM, Va. – Not every high school athlete gets the opportunity to make the state tournament but for one E.C. Glass senior, it has become familiar territory.
Senior Trent Daly is a three star recruit for the Hilltoppers, who made his fourth appearance in the state tournament. This was his second time going after the singles championship.
"I was in this position my sophomore year. I was in the final here and I lost and it was tough to swallow that. But I was able to get back up train even harder to get myself back in this position," said Daly.
Thursday, the ball was in his court. He won his semifinal match 6-1, 6-1 and moved on to the final this afternoon. It took three sets and nearly three hours, but he rallied back and was crowned the 4A singles champion. The first for EC glass since 2000.
"It feels amazing I can't even express how much it means to me it's a blessing to have this opportunity first off," said Daly.Â
The 10th-ranked player in the state, gives credit where it's due. His older brother Nickolas was also a standout player in the Hilltoppers tennis program, and has played a pivotal part in his development.
"If it weren't for him I would never be the player I am today. He was my number one practice partner until he went off the college. Everything I'm doing right now, he's done before so just being able to learn from his mistakes, and just from his trials has just been a blessing and an advantage for me growing up for sure," said Daly.Â
Moving forward, Daly won't be hanging up his racket any time soon. He will play for Virginia Tech next spring.