Veteran Le, freshman Vasquez thrive together

The Raiders are 8-5 and undefeated in regional play this season, led by a skilled duo at the top of the lineup in senior Marina Le and freshman Zabrielle Vasquez.

Le, a two-time state semifinalist and region singles champion, has had a different doubles partner in each of her four seasons with the Raiders, and her final season is no different, pairing her with one of the top talents in the freshman class.

Vasquez has quickly established herself as one of the most promising talents on the tennis court, not just in Virginia, but nationally. According to the Tennis Recruiting Network, she is a four-star college recruit, the fourth-ranked player in Virginia in her graduating class and the No. 117 freshman nationally.

Usually, Le played the deuce side in doubles with her previous three teammates. With Vasquez, she remains a presence on the baseline while her younger teammate plays closer to the net.

“I think she’s really good at the net, and I’m better at the back of the court,” Le said.

As a doubles pairing, the senior-freshman combo boasts a 3-1 record. In singles, Vasquez is a perfect 5-0 as the No. 1 player in the lineup, while Le has split time between the No. 1 and No. 2 spots and is 9-3 this season.

Vasquez said she and Le have developed a strong sense of communication when they share the court, which has played a major role in their 3-1 record.

“You have to communicate with your partner so everything can work and be good in the back or the front or whatever we’re doing,” Vasquez said.

What both players have in common is an early start in the sport. Le began playing at 8 years old, inspired by her father, who played recreationally. Le did too at first, but she soon began playing in tournaments, and by age 10, she realized she was pretty good.

For Vasquez, it is also a family matter. Her sister plays, and her mother was her first coach. Zabrielle said the sport has been part of her life since she was a toddler, and she's had a racquet in her hand for 15 years. Needless to say, when tennis is the center of attention, things can get pretty competitive in her household. 

Both players want to continue playing beyond their time at Atlee. Le will attend Christopher Newport next year, where she plans to start at the club level and explore opportunities with the varsity program later on. Vasquez aspires to play professionally, and with her current reputation as a top-tier player, that dream does not seem far off.

“To be professional, that is my goal now and see if I can get a scholarship for college,” Vasquez said.

While Vasquez’s high school career is just getting started, Le’s is winding down with a chance at a third straight region title and an opportunity to advance to the state championship for the first time. She said she has come a long way since her first appearances on the court as a freshman, especially on the mental side of matches.

“I used to overthink so much, and I’d just completely miss the ball,” she said. “I think now I just don’t think at all, and I just hit the ball.”

Both players have had matches they are especially proud of this season. For Le, it was her singles win over Godwin on May 1. For Vasquez, it was a singles victory against Jamestown, winner of three of the last six Class 4 titles. Still, both have their eyes on something greater, and in one week, they will have the chance to compete alongside each other at the regional tournament.