Lucy Paine, Sports Editor
Despite being only a sophomore, Leah Zheng is the team’s top singles player and a key member of the team. Her dominance on the court has been instrumental in the Rams’ success since she arrived last year. She delivered a commanding performance in the CIAC Class L championship on May 30, 2024, leading New Canaan to a 7-0 sweep over top-seeded Guilford and securing the program’s 22nd state championship.
That victory capped off an incredible season in which Leah also helped the Rams claim their first FCIAC team title since 2011—an accomplishment that was especially meaningful to her. “Winning FCIACs with my team was definitely a defining moment for me,” she said. “Before that, we had a 13-year drought, so it was really special, especially in my first year playing for the team.”
While Leah’s achievements in high school tennis are remarkable, her impact extends far beyond the local courts. She is a two-time USTA New England Junior Sectional champion, an honor she considers one of her greatest accomplishments. The tournament, which attracts the best junior players across the region, is an extremely tiring and demanding test of skill and endurance. “It’s a big deal for our section, and winning it twice felt amazing,” she said. “I put in extra work and even left school early sometimes to prepare, so getting that title meant a lot.”
As a four-star recruit, Leah has made waves on the national level with her ranking and competitive record proving her potential for Division I collegiate tennis. She currently holds a 30-24 overall record, proving her resilience and ability to compete against top-tier opponents. But what truly sets her apart is her strategic mindset. “There’s always someone faster and stronger than me, so I have to play smart in order to win,” she said. “I do a lot of thinking before every point, and I don’t think everyone does that.”
Leah’s love for tennis began at a young age, as she was inspired by her father who was the first person to introduce her to the sport. “He would take me to the high school courts, and I’d just swing a random racket around,” she said. “Once I really started hitting, I fell in love with it.” His support continues to motivate her, as he frequently drives her to tournaments and is willing to travel as far as Ohio.
Despite her packed schedule, she maintains a strong academic focus. Having a balanced schedule is important to her but she knows that at the end of the day school will always come first. “School is more important to me than anything,” she said. “If I have a really tough test I don’t mind skipping a day of tennis, it’s not the end of the world to miss one practice, but failing a test would be.”
Looking ahead, her goals are clear: win FCIACs and states again with her team and continue working to one day compete at a top Division I college. “I’d love to just keep improving so that I can play D1 tennis. I’m already on the right track to D1, but to play at a top college, I have to keep pushing myself and keep getting a lot better.” With her talent, determination, and love for the game, Leah Zheng is undoubtedly a Ram to Watch. Not just this season, but for years to come.
