Brittany Harness, not long ago, was concerned more with floor exercises and balance beams than forehands and double faults.

Harness, a sophomore at Garland Christian, was a competitive gymnast for six years before focusing on tennis. She began playing competitive tennis as a seventh-grader

"My sister used to play tennis in high school and got a scholarship," Harness said. "Because she played, I thought I might as well give it a try."

Turned out, Harness was better than she anticipated. She advanced to last year's TAPPS 4A state tournament as a freshman, losing to Austin Hyde Park's Lauren Wilkerson in the final.

"I didn't think I'd make it that far as a freshman," she said, "but it felt pretty good. I could get used to it."

Harness said she's improved since last season. She's faster and in better shape. Harness also expects to return to the state tournament – and enjoy doing it.

"I want to win, but I want to have fun first," she said. "You've just got to go out and do your best. If that means me winning state in the process, so be it."

Harness' sister, former Mesquite Horn standout Megan Harness, is the lone senior on the Henderson State tennis team.

"Maybe I'll end up like my sister one day, playing tennis on a scholarship," Brittany said.

Abby Stainback was expected to defend her Class 4A state doubles championship with Taylor Schreimann.

But when Schreimann went down with a preseason wrist injury, Stainback had to find a replacement. Fortunately for her, playing for Highland Park meant doing so wasn't too difficult.

Stainback has been playing doubles with senior Natalie Leitch, who won a state doubles championship with Anna Stainback, Abby's older sister, in 2006.

"That's what makes it so much fun. All the girls are excellent tennis players," Stainback said. "We have an amazing team, and we're really lucky to have so many where you can pick your partner from a bunch of people and still be OK."

Highland Park's talented girls roster features Kellye McDade, Charlotte Calhoun and Laurie Davis among others. Highland Park has had a girls representative win the state singles or doubles championship every year since 2002.

Abby Stainback has high expectations for continuing the streak.

"Natalie and I are real close friends, and I know that both of us are going into this knowing we can win it," Stainback said. "We get along great off the court, so on the court, it's easier for us to play together. I think we have a good chance, as long as we keep working hard."

Carson Kadi has experienced the state tournament in all of his first three high school seasons. He was a state doubles finalist as a freshman and sophomore in New Orleans and a state singles semifinalist last year after he moved to Coppell.

"I guess that's my motivation now. I've never won state before," Kadi said. "Last year was a good experience, but wanting to win, that keeps me going."

Kadi became the first Coppell boys player to qualify for the state tournament. He lost, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), in the semifinals to Laredo United's Bryan Welnetz. This year, Kadi is hoping an improved serve, solid footwork and even better ground strokes finally will get him that gold medal.

"He's getting older, stronger and smarter. You can tell in the way he's playing," Coppell coach Jane Jackson said. "Last year's state tournament was just a taste. You can look at him and tell he wants to get back there as quickly as possible."

Kadi was 17-1 during the fall season. Since moving from New Orleans, Kadi has been a leader for Coppell. He was SportsDay's newcomer of the year in 2007.

"I think people expect him to be back at state this year," Jackson said. "But I think he expects to be there, too. I expect him to be there."

With the way he's played since his freshman year, Taylor Thrash may have the most fitting last name in high school sports.

The Frisco Legacy Christian standout has not lost a set against TAPPS high school competition in two years. The junior dropped only three games in four matches during last year's TAPPS 2A state tournament. He routed Cameron Sapaugh of Tomball Rosehill Christian, 6-1, 6-0, in the state championship match.

What's scary is that Thrash said he's only getting better.

"Last year was probably my weakest year, to be honest," Thrash said. "I missed some time because of an injury. I think I've really grown up physically and mentally."

Thrash has fully recovered from a left knee injury and is gearing for a run at a third consecutive state title. He won the TAPPS A championship as a freshman, losing only two games to San Antonio Destiny Christian's Micah Bell in the final.

Thrash laughs when recalling his freshman season. He made the state tournament after recording three convincing victories against seniors in the district tournament.

"I remember showing up for district and watching the other kids warm up," Thrash said. "Nobody knew who I was, but I took him out pretty quick. None of them were very pleased afterward."

Thrash hopes that feeling of dominance continues this season.

April 21-26: UIL regional tournaments, various sites

April 25-26: TAPPS state tournament

May 5-6: UIL state tournament, Austin and Lakeway, Texas