Voting Underway for SouthCoast Early Season Girls Tennis Player of the Year 2026

The Standard-Times has launched voting for its 2026 SouthCoast Early Season Girls Tennis Player of the Year award, inviting tennis enthusiasts to recognize the standout performers from the opening weeks of the spring season across schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Eighteen candidates have been put forward for consideration. Among those generating early buzz are Emily Pavao and Stella Texeira from Apponequet, Caroline Hannigan and Katherine Johnson of Bishop Stang, and a trio of Dartmouth representatives in Ava Dusoe, Sophia Rutkowski, and Cami Taradash.

Also drawing attention are Fairhaven's Mikayla Smith, Emma Stout and Haley Vera from New Bedford, and a formidable group from Old Rochester that includes Ella Bishop, Zadie Goyette, Grace Hebert, Caroline Houdelette, and defending award recipient Neva Matos. Wareham's contingent features Nevaeh Smith, Julia Statkus, and Lan Tran, each of whom has built early-season momentum that caught the eye of local coaches.

Voting remains open until 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, giving supporters less than a week to register their choices through the Standard-Times voting platform.

Neva Matos of Old Rochester claimed last year's honor and returns as one of the frontrunners following another impressive start to the 2026 campaign. She faces stiff competition from athletes representing Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, and Apponequet, all of whom have displayed strong form in the season's opening weeks.

Winners will be announced once voting concludes and featured in the Standard-Times's coverage of SouthCoast high school athletics throughout the spring.