As a young child, Rylee Michna remembers dragging a small tennis racquet around the courts while watching her older brother, Brayden, play in tournaments. Now, this lifelong Duck swings a fullsize racquet as a member of the Taylor High School tennis team, having just claimed the 2023 4A Region 3 Girls Singles Championship.
“Rylee’s hard work has paid off,” said Taylor High School tennis coach, Kevin Williams.
“She dominated the competition winning all three of her matches by the score of 6-0,6-0. Her work ethic and determination are nothing less than inspiring to not only her teammates, but her coaches as well.”
For Michna, tennis has been a lifelong sport enjoyed by her whole family.
“My mom used to be a part of the Taylor Tennis Association, and my brother played before me,” recalled Michna. “Growing up, we were always going to his tournaments. I’ve just always been around tennis; it’s always been a part of my family.”
Williams described Michna as a shining example of a Taylor Duck, both on and off the court.
“Rylee demonstrates a kind, warm heart and a passion for others,” said Williams. “Not only is she an amazing player, she also goes above and beyond to help her fellow team mates excel as well. Academically, she is currently ranked No. 2 for the class of 2026. In her first year of varsity tennis, she has won four out of five tournaments competing in the A bracket and finished second to a junior from Liberty Hill at the Waco Regional Tennis Center in a UTR tournament.”
When asked about her secret for success, Michna recalled the Leader in Me initiative when she was at Naomi Pasemann Elementary School, and learning the 7 Habits of Happy Kids, especially the one about being proactive.
“After school, I go to tennis for another three hours, so it’s like how are you going to get your schoolwork done,” said Michna. “You have to be proactive and take charge. Focus on the most predominate thing, and then you can go to other things. Finish what’s going to happen first so you’re not falling behind. Be proactive and do what you need to get done.”
After graduating in 2026, Michna hopes to get a scholarship to play tennis in college. For now, she enjoys a variety of activities at Taylor High School. She is active in volleyball, academic decathlon, FFA and especially tennis.
“I love our team and I love our coach,” said Michna. “Coach Williams is such a good tennis coach because he’s very understanding of everyone. It’s not like a gripey relationship between any of us. It’s always very inclusive.
We all like each other, we don’t have any tension between us. We all listen to each other; we all respect each other.
I really love my team.
They’re all so kind and we’re there for each other. We’re always cheering each other on.” Whatever the future holds, Rylee Michna knows she will always be a Taylor Duck.
“I was born here, so I have always been a part of Taylor,” said Michna.
“When I was growing up, I had a shirt that said Taylor Ducks. It was so cool. I went to all of our football games at the old field. By being a Taylor Duck, it really shows pride. I love going to our small shops and walking around seeing all these people I know. It feels like such a nice community and I like how we are trying to keep it as a community, keeping everyone connected, even as we grow.”
Michna will now advance to the State Tournament on April 25th and 26th in San Antonio.
