Pinole Valley High Junior is the Tri-County Athletic League Tennis Champion

PINOLE, CA — A Pinole Valley High School junior is now the 2016 Tri-County Athletic League Tennis Champion. Shuxin Zhou beat the number one-seed from St. Mary's High School 6-4, 6-2 to bring the Spartans their first title in over five years and sending Shuxin to the North Coast Section finals starting a week from Monday, Principal Kibby Kleiman said.

Principal Kibby Kleiman says Shuxin, who is also a member of the school's debate program and band, and a member of the prestigious Ivy League Connection is a humble, hard working young woman.

"Nothing she does surprises me anymore," Kleiman said. "Everything she sets her mind to, she can accomplish"

School officials say the Pinole Valley star had never beaten the St. Mary's rival, and needed every bit of her ability to take the title.

Coach Kurt Hayworth said that he knew that Shuxin was capable and that she "played a very smart match and can go even further.” He says that the victory is a tribute to his player's skill and study.

Photo courtesy Pinole Valley High