From the court to the field: Two sports isn’t too much for Tess Bucher
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio is home to some of the greatest athletes ever to compete in Ohio sports. They have had athletes go professional in football, basketball, and baseball, and they’re looking to add to those notable alumni.
Although she’s only a sophomore in high school, Tess Bucher could be well on her way to joining that list. Tennis is her No. 1 sport, but she’s not letting that keep her from other things she enjoys. Bucher is also a phenomenal softball player who plays shortstop and had a .440 batting average her sophomore season. Not bad for a top-ranked tennis player!
Our very own @tessbucher making headlines in tennis also! https://t.co/OVliMkwDBZ
— Ohio Outlaws 06 Shep (@06Ohio) July 1, 2021
Her coaches say that she could play at the DI level in either sport, but tennis definitely holds her best chances of going professional. Bucher is currently ranked as the No. 3 tennis player in all of Ohio Division I. At only 15 years old, she is the top-ranked tennis player in Ohio and No. 14 in the country. These rankings are according to Tennis Recruiting Network, and they show just how gifted Tess Bucher is on the tennis court.
It’s not uncommon for high schoolers to try their hands at multiple sports, but at the Division I level, few succeed at it. Bucher is the exception to the rule, as she is one of only four kids in the Hoover softball program that plays more than one sport. Not only does she play two sports, but she’s excelling at both. Bucher says that she is fully intent on finishing her high school career as a two-sport athlete, which will make for an extremely hectic junior and senior season.
Bucher has no qualms about the dedication it takes to play multiple sports. In a recent interview, she said, “I’m probably going to have to pick one, but I’m keeping everything open because you never know what’s going to happen. Doing everything it takes for both sports is a lot sometimes. The pressure sometimes gets to me a little bit. But I try to work through it. I really enjoy it.”
Thriving at multiple sports and playing in tennis tournaments across the country is exhausting and leaves little time for a social life. But her hard work is already paying off at a young age. Bucher is the top player in a Hoover program that is 15-1 and well on its way to their fifth consecutive Federal League championship, which will make for 12 championships in the last 14 years. Hoover has a legacy of tennis greatness, and sophomore Tess Bucher is leading the charge.
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