Junior Emily Peterson has kicked off her 2024 tennis season undefeated, posting both a singles and doubles record of 8-0. 

Nixa's No. 1 player and two-time state qualifier Peterson defeated Branson's No. 1 Sylvie Barbour 8-2, Webb City's Ayle McDonald 8-0, Kickapoo's Leah Martin 9-8 (7-4), Neosho's Emma VanDorn 8-0, Bolivar's Kami Bryan 8-2, Republic's Matilyn Carpenter 8-1, and Willard's Evelyn Sly 8-2.

Peterson and doubles partner Paige Morris defeated the same opponents as a duo, helping lead Nixa to a 7-1 team record.

Her performance makes Peterson Nixa's Guaranty Bank Athlete of the Week for the week of Sept. 13-20.

Head coach Brock Blansit believes Peterson will make Nixa girls tennis history and be the best player he's ever coached.

"Emily is not only a great tennis player but she's a great example of what a student-athlete should look like, with a 4.0 GPA. I said four years ago that I thought she would be the best player I've ever coached, and I believe that more today than ever. Emily is the leader of our team on and off the court. It's nice to know that your No. 1 player will win her singles and doubles matches every day. She has a chance to be the first Nixa player to compete in the individual state tournament three straight years. Luckily our tennis team, she's only a junior and will continue to get better and better," said Blansit.