Sudden impact

Former Central High tennis star Jeanette McDonald is arguably Hernando County's greatest-ever tennis player.
Four Player of the Year awards in four years generally will do that.
Suffice it to say when you chalk up 71 victories in 78 career singles matches (91 percent) and never lose to a county opponent in four years; the word legendary begins to crop up.
Yet, one of McDonald's greatest achievements - her 20-win campaign as a freshman in 2004 - was eclipsed this spring by (envelope please) another freshman.
Only time will tell if Nature Coast Technical frosh Delanie Marie McCabe is the finest player to ever grace the local female courts.
But this much is certain, McCabe's stock dramatically rose after one year at the varsity level after compiling a sterling 21-3 singles won-lost slate and an equally impressive 18-6 overall mark in doubles.
It didn't hurt that she was named by the Hernando Today staff and area coaches the Hernando County Player of the Year.

McCabe 101

The 15-year-old Delanie is the younger of two children to Brooksville's Mark and Debbie McCabe.
Delanie, who was born in Red Bank, N.J., has resided in the Sunshine State since sixth grade.
After spending the sixth grade in Tampa, McCabe matriculated to Brooksville's West Hernando Middle School.
Displaying her athletic versatility, the 5-foot-5 brunette participated in three sports for the Golden Eagles.
McCabe, who was a cheerleader since she was 8-years-old, cheered as a seventh and eighth-grader.
In track and field, she concentrated on the 1,600 meters (one mile) and the 4x400 relay.
And in tennis she played two seasons under Head Coach Cheryl Paradis.
Paradis helped prepare McCabe for the rigors of prep tennis.
After McCabe matriculated to NCT, she literally placed all her athletic eggs in one basket by concentrating solely on tennis.
There was a huge ROI (return on investment) for that decision.
After attending summer camps and training rigorously in the offseason, McCabe not only stepped on to the prep tennis scene able to play, but she came prepared to battle.
To that end, McCabe enjoyed a sensational season capturing county, district and regional individual crowns, helping the Sharks reach the Class 2A State Championship Tournament as a team in Casselberry.
Even opposing coaches could not help but notice McCabe's first-year ascent.
"She (McCabe) is a real nice player," described Hernando High Head Coach Pete Lahey. "She's got real nice ground strokes. I definitely thought she was one of nicest players in the area."
"I think she's a well-rounded player," added Central Head Coach Sonya Burns. "Especially on the mental side of the game as a freshman."

Midas touch

Why the success, so early?
"She trains year-round," explained NCT Head Coach Louise Downey. "She spent a lot of time and energy off the court getting ready for the season. Unlike some players who didn't pick up a racquet until January, she came in well prepared."
What does Coach Downey admire the most about McCabe?
"When she walks on the court she truly believes she's gonna win," pointed out Coach Downey. "She has a very high confidence level."
How did Delanie react to being named POY?
"I'm ecstatic," chimed McCabe, who also carries a 3.65 grade point average in the law cluster at NCT. "This (POY) is so cool as a freshman. I had no idea I'd be Player of the Year."
McCabe quickly acknowledged her parents for being her rock.
"Even though my mom works all kinds of crazy hours, she doesn't miss my matches," explained Delanie. "And dad has always been my biggest supporter. And I have to thank my coaches, Coach Louise and Coach John (Downey). They've been amazing teachers."
What was the biggest difference from middle school tennis to high school?
"For one, there are a lot more teams," smiled McCabe. "In middle school there weren't that many players who knew that much. They're mostly all new to the sport. At the high-school level, there are a lot more players and the skill level is much higher."
What was the key to McCabe's growth in year one?
"Both Mallorie (Pickersgill) and I we both went all out, but we took it one step at a time," recalled McCabe. "With Olivia (Williams) out, we had to play up. When she came back we both adjusted to playing back down."
Of the three singles' losses, which was the most significant?
"Probably against Citrus," recalled McCabe. "We played Springstead right before that match and I had a pretty easy match. Then I ran into the Citrus girl and she could play. I learned a lot that day. Coach John (Downey) is always stressing 'Don't play the player, play the ball.'
"Now, the Wiregrass girl (Amber Fahrner) was real good too," admitted McCabe about her March 18, a 6-0, 6-1 setback. "And at states we were so excited about reaching states, we kinda dropped the ball. I know I didn't play my best. Mallorie and I had a huge school project on our minds, so we weren't into playing."

What's next?

What will McCabe do for an encore?
"My coaches still get on me," said McCabe. "Sometimes I don't bounce when I'm receiving. Coach calls me Tigger and reminds me to stay on my toes and bounce. And sometimes I don't apply what I learned in practice. I've got to use all the stuff I've learned in practice in my matches.
"Next year, I hope to keep my record up," added McCabe. "I'll be doing Junior Team Tennis during the summer to stay active and I'll still go to some (tennis) summer camps to continue to improve my game."
And by doing so she'll continue to close the gap between herself and the legendary McDonald.

By the Numbers: NCT's Delanie McCabe
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO

Singles
YR. W L .PCT
9th 21* 3 .875
TOTALS 21 3 .875
* Denotes new county record

Doubles
PLAYERS No. W L .PCT
McCabe/Pickersgill 1 4 0 1.000
McCabe/Bugden 2 8 3 .727
McCabe/Pickersgill 2 6 2 .750
McCabe/Barrett 2 0 1 .000
TOTALS 18 6 .750