Palmer closes her career at state
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WAUKEE – Over the course of two short seasons, Chloe Palmer went from not cracking the St. Edmond girls tennis varsity singles lineup to making the state tournament.
Palmer showed off all those skills she learned during that time here on Wednesday, coming up short in a heartbreaking consolation match during the Class 1A event.
After falling to two-time state medalist Natalie Steele of Fairfield in the first round, 6-2, 6-1, Palmer’s tournament run ended at the hands of Ella Seney of Grinnell.
The Gael senior claimed the first set over Seney, 6-3, before dropping the second by the same score. The two battled in a super tiebreak, with Seney ultimately earning the match victory.
"The atmosphere was competitive and lively," Palmer said. "Everyone was there to win and showcase their talents.
"It was very memorable, and even though it didn't end the way I had hoped, I have to remember that it was a great experience. A once-in-a-lifetime thing I got to do."
Palmer posted a 10-7 individual record this year competing at the No. 1 position for the Gaels, who claimed a fifth consecutive North Central Conference sweep of the regular season and tournament championships. She also helped them reach the regional finals for state team tennis this past fall.
Last fall, Palmer held a record of 9-1 playing in the No. 3 and No. 4 spots for St. Edmond. She was also a doubles player and a starter for the St. Edmond volleyball team at the same time.
"Chloe gave it everything she had each time she went out there on the court," SEHS head coach Shawn Neverman said. "There is no better competitor than Chloe. She worked extremely hard to improve her game in a sport that she just picked up a few years ago.
"We are going to miss Chloe and all the seniors next year. They have meant so much to this program."