Liz Stefancic has a little homecourt advantage this fall, and she likes it.
The West Aurora junior, a state qualifier last year, is getting extra coaching from a person who knows her game well.
That’s older sister Emily, a former two-time sectional champ at West who has joined the Blackhawks as a volunteer assistant coach.
“I’m super excited about it,” Liz Stefancic said. “My sister is able to look at my game and see what I’m doing right or wrong. She’s able to calm me down or pump me up. She can relate to me on a deeper level.”
Their tennis skills can relate, too.
Emily Stefancic reached the fourth round of the state tournament in 2013, and went on to Northern Illinois. An injury cut her career short in college.
Liz Stefancic, for her part, went 26-6 last year as a sophomore, was a sectional runner-up and went 3-2 in the state draw.
“I have two daughters and my daughters get along fine, but you wonder with siblings if it works,” West coach Bruce Fraser said. “It seems to be working. Liz is a very hard worker. She’s always looking for ways to get better.”
The 6-foot Stefancic has two built-in advantages over most opponents. She’s tall and she’s left-handed.
“I like to take balls on the rise,” Stefancic said. “Even if they do lob one, it goes right into my strike zone.”
Fraser, who coached JV for West last year, didn’t get to watch Stefancic often. With six matches in this season — all of them wins —he’s already noticed Stefancic can win points in a multitude of ways.
“She can win points with power and she can win points with consistency,” Fraser said. “And she’s in great physical shape. I have confidence that she can outlast people.”
Stefancic has only dropped one set in those six matches. Even that one showed what she brings to the table.
“She’s able to think her way through situations,” Fraser said. “Each year you play, you get more mature.”
Stefancic trains with her personal coach, Tim Troyano, at Score Tennis and Fitness in Countryside. Calling hers a “man-style” game, Stefancic carries a powerful serve and a big forehand.
“A lot of women on the pro circuit, and the USTA in general, like to be consistent baseline grinders,” Stefancic said. “I try to dominate with my forehand and volley.”
West is a senior-heavy team behind Stefancic, led by Taylor Truckenbrod and Katie Gallagher at No. 1 doubles and Marissa Silva at No. 3 singles.
At No. 2 singles the Blackhawks have an exchange student from Austria, Patty Pfefferer.
Unlike other talented high school players, Stefancic never considered walking away to play only for club.
“I really enjoy the team atmosphere,” Stefancic said. “West is a great, diverse school. It’s a complete honor to represent my school.”
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She’ll continue to get tutelage from big sister.
Emily, back in school at NIU, can’t make weekday duals. But she does plan on being there for Liz’s tournaments.
“She’s always had that role of a teacher,” Stefancic said. “She’s seen my game grow from when I began playing. Advice from her is pretty easy to take.”
Joshua Welge is a freelance writer for The Beacon-News.