Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The Steamboat Springs High School girls tennis team took another step in becoming one of the elite programs in the state.

The Rocky Mountain News named junior Lisa Floyd and senior Breanne Murray to the honorable mention All-Colorado team Thursday.

It was the first time a female player from Steamboat Springs has been named to the team.

Floyd, who finished fourth at state in No. 1 singles, and Murray, who lost a three-set match in the championships at No. 2 singles, were among the 30 female tennis players recognized in the state.

"For me, especially this year - my junior year - was the hardest," said Floyd, who spent the fall semester attending the Junction Tennis Academy in Grand Junction. "It's a huge honor. It makes me feel so good about how hard I worked this year."

For both players, the honor caps off a successful season.

Floyd and Murray helped lead the Sailors to their third straight team regional title, as well as winning individual region titles.

"To even be mentioned in that category is a huge honor," Steamboat coach John Aragon said. "It's the highest honor in the girls program we've had."

For Murray, who plans to attend the University of Colorado in the fall, making the team highlighted a successful career.

Along with multiple individual regional titles, Murray qualified for state all four years of her career. She also medaled three times at the state tournament.

"Bre did a great job for us all year," Aragon said. "She'll be tough to replace, but hopefully the program can reach the next level with these type of kids."

That next level could come as soon as next year with the return of Floyd - who has medaled three times at state - and a slew of other state qualifiers.

Floyd, who already has played a tournament in Idaho, will continue playing tournaments throughout the summer. She plans to attend tournaments in Texas, Denver and Grand Junction among others.

"Next year should be wide open," said Floyd, whom Aragon calls a big-time college prospect. "I think I could win it, but I want to do it for my team. I just want to go out there and have fun."

- To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229

or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com