LONGMEADOW – Iris Gallo, an oncoming junior at Longmeadow High School (LHS), competed and won at the 16 and under New England Sectional Championship on June 26 at Yale University. Sectionals is known as the most prestigious junior tennis tournament in New England.

Gallo began playing tennis around the age of six. She notes that she remembered watching her older brother Ryan play tennis, which had inspired her to learn the sport.

Over the years Gallo has practiced the sport heavily, “I love the thrill of competing on the court,” she said.

As a freshman, Gallo played on the LHS Varsity Tennis team alongside her twin sister Hallie. The two assisted the team in making it to the MIAA State Finals, where they ultimately lost to Sharon High School.

“That year, I won the MIAA State Individual Tournament. This year, I had to make the sacrifice of giving up high school tennis to help develop my game so I could compete well at a national level,” Gallo explained.

Due to her schoolwork, Gallo trains roughly three to four times each week after school. Not only does she compete with tennis, Gallo also is a competitive pianist, and has had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall with Hallie.

Throughout the year, Gallo competes in local, regional and national tournaments. The New England Sectionals, however, is the highest-level junior tournament in New England. This competition is held once a year. Gallo explained that the draw is only open to the top 24 players in New England.

“I was aware that the competition was going to be tough, so by giving up on high school tennis, it gave me more time to work on my fitness and training,” she said.

Gallo attributes some of her success to her coach Art Carrington, who she notes has helped her “immensely” to prepare and develop her game.

“Sectionals was an exciting experience because I enjoy being around other players who are passionate about the sport like me,” Gallo said. “I was confident in my game but I knew that the players were tough, so I had to make sure that I could execute all of my shots.”

Moving forward, Gallo hopes that she can play competitive tennis in college.