By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Olivia Fong just might be the best-kept secret in the Tri Valley League.

Millis High’s first singles player was the tennis team’s MVP as a freshman and sophomore, and she added to those honors when TVL coaches selected her as an honorable-mention all-star as a freshman and a first-team selection as a sophomore.

Those accolades speak volumes about her effort, her competitive nature, and her ability.

The 5-foot-3 Fong played a key role last spring in helping the Mohawks qualify for the state tourney for the second consecutive year.

Tom Ingraham, who’s been Millis’ girls’ tennis coach for 28 years, points to Wong’s work ethic, her relentless competitive style, her mental toughness and her high tennis IQ as her prime strengths. “She’s on a path to be one of the most successful players we’ve ever had,’’ he emphasized.

The 15-year-old Fong is already in the history books at Millis. She’s the third girl to play first singles as a freshman in the program’s 50-year history. “That’s very humbling,’’ she said. “When I heard that, it was an amazing feeling.’’

Fong’s record at first singles may not sound like much — 8-10 as a freshman and 9-9 as a sophomore —but consider the opponents she faces day in and day out. They’re the best players on their squads.

“Take Norton for example,’’ Ingraham said. “They struggle in league play but Maddie Sutrol, in my opinion, is the best first singles player in the league.’’

Fong is acutely aware that she must be at her best on a daily basis. “It can be tiring to go against every team’s top player,’’ she said. “Many of the girls in the TVL have more experience than me but that enables me to grow as a player. It adds to the pressure, but I just try my best. What helps is the support I get from my teammates.’’

Fong started playing tennis at a summer camp when she was 11. Later on, she attended clinics and competed in drills at the Kingsbury Club in Medfield. “I played doubles for my eighth-grade team,’’ she said. “And I’ve received lots of help and tips from my brother [Jackson] who plays at Xaverian.’’

When she began her varsity career at first singles last year, she relied on her athleticism, agility, quickness and consistency. “I’m more of a finesse player but I’m trying to add power to my game,’’ she said. 

Fong’s strengths include pin-point placements, an ability to get to the ball quickly and a hard cross-court forehand. “My forehand shot is my best,’’ she noted. “It goes to the sideline instead of the baseline. It’s a sharp angle shot.’’

Working diligently to improve her serve, Fong’s best match was last spring when she defeated Lauren Barr, Medfield’s first singles player. “Unfortunately, we lost the match but I won, 2-1, in three sets,’’ Fong recalled. “I dominated the first set but the last two were evenly played. I overcame some miscues, but it was a challenge to beat her.’’

As for her top thrill in tennis after two varsity seasons, it was being named a TVL all-star as a freshman and sophomore. “It’s nice to be recognized by the other coaches,’’ she said. “It’s a reward for my work ethic and tenacity.’’

The MVP awards she earned are also meaningful.

“There’s pressure at first singles and I strive to not let my teammates down,’’ Fong admitted. “I’ve learned from my losses, developed resiliency, and worked to improve.’’

Fong has admired all her teammates during her first two seasons and points to Millis’ three senior captains as prime assets last spring — Leah Abraham (third singles), Lilly Cassidy (first doubles), and Nora Jurgelewicz (second doubles). “They’re great leaders who anchored our team,’’ Fong offered. “They promoted a family atmosphere and they led by example, by being good communicators, and by being positive and enthusiastic.’’

Fong is also a fan of Ingraham. “He’s got passion for tennis and he’s focused on seeing all of his players excel,’’ she said. “Coach Ingraham is a good strategist who’s motivating and encouraging.’’

Fong’s junior year is right around the corner, but her goals remain team-oriented with an emphasis on taking her game to a higher level. “I want to keep improving and maintain a drive to succeed,’’ she said. “I would like to become a captain and be in a position to lead my teammates and help them grow.’’

A high honor student (4.5 GPA), Fong not only has shown leadership in the classroom, but also as president of her class for the last two years. “There’s some stress in that role,’’ she said. “There’s planning to be done with fundraisers but I’m pleased to lead the class.’’

Unsure of where she’ll attend college, Fong, nevertheless, is leaning on an east-coast university where she might major in interior design. Playing tennis collegiately is possible but it could take a back seat to soccer. She’s played at Millis for two varsity seasons as a midfielder and a defender. “l enjoy both sports equally,’’ she said.

Calling her parents (Andy and Sarah) role models for their support and encouragement, Fong’s athletic philosophy in a combination of winning, reaching her potential and having fun.

“Sports is a great test for how to handle pressure, how to manage emotions and how to be a good teammate,’’ she said. “I’m competitive and I want to win but it’s important to reach your potential and enjoy athletics. Life lessons that I’ve learned from competing are to be a compassionate teammate, to maintain a strong work ethic, not to be too hard on yourself after a loss, and to become a leader.’’

During Fong’s two seasons, Millis has competed in the playoffs twice. The Mohawks split a pair of matches in her freshman campaign, beating Pioneer Valley and losing to St. John Paul. Last spring, the Mohawks lost to Quaboag in the first round.

“Competing in the tourneys was fun but also challenging,’’ Fong emphasized. “There’s pressure but it’s a great learning experience. You learn a lot and you gain experience. I’ve grown by placing more of an emphasis on offense. My aim is to be an all-around player.

So far, Olivia Fong is on track to achieve all her goals and to become a complete player.