photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State seniors Taryn Jones, front right, and Annie Pilakowski are 6-0 as the Firebirds' No. 1 doubles team in 2025.

Every day, Free State seniors Taryn Jones and Annie Pilakowski think about the girls tennis state meet.

Jones and Pilakowski are longtime friends and teammates on Free State’s girls tennis team, but this is their first time working together on the No. 1 doubles team as Pilakowski makes the switch from singles to doubles. With a 6-0 start to the tennis season, the duo is confident.

“We think about (making state) a lot,” Jones said. “It helps when we have these kinds of things where we play our league opponents, because regionals is the biggest thing to get to state. I definitely think about it every day. It’s a little daunting, but I think we’re confident.”

Despite Pilakowski making the state tournament as a junior playing singles last year, Free State coach Randy Clark decided to move her to the No. 1 doubles team with Jones. The talent and chemistry the two had before playing together made it an obvious choice.

“I really like the start they’ve had,” Clark said. “They really have good chemistry, which is always really helpful for doubles. They beat a good team from Manhattan last week, and they picked up some good wins (on Tuesday). They’re trending in the right direction as we get this season rolling.”

Having a strong bond already off the tennis court has helped lead to early wins. Their chemistry and communication have helped them build a solid foundation as they learn to work as partners.

“We’ve started off the bat really strong,” Jones said, “so we’re feeling really great. We’re good at communicating, and that’s really important. She helps me out when I get nervous, and I help her out when she gets nervous. It’s all mental.”

Switching between singles and doubles can feel like playing a completely different sport. There are different techniques and skills necessary to succeed in each style. Most of all, it’s a challenge to learn how to rely on a partner.

“It’s been weird, but Taryn has been really good at helping me with the volleys and everything,” Pilakowski said. “It’s definitely a different game, but it’s been a lot of fun so far. We’ve known each other for years, and we’re pretty good friends, so that helps. It’s been easier because of that.”

Jones is an experienced doubles player. Typically, the team has someone who plays closer to the net and someone who plays in the back to try to maximize both players’ strengths while limiting weaknesses. With Pilakowski, that isn’t the case. Both can line up anywhere on the court and win.

“I’m really confident in Annie — she just doesn’t miss much,” Jones said. “When I’m at the net and I don’t get something, I just know she has it, and that makes a really good partner.”

Communication plays an equally important role as skill in a doubles team. Even though Jones and Pilakowski haven’t played together, their off-court chemistry has helped them build their communication.

After every point, the duo look at each other for an opportunity to discuss what happened. Between sets, they work through what happened on the court in an honest way. That game planning helps them respond to each set and get better as the match goes on.

Honesty is a crucial part of their communication, and their friendship helps keep them honest about what they see. Their comfort with each other allows them to keep each other level-headed in pressure situations.

“Tennis is such a short game, even if you’re down love-40, that’s only three points and it can be tied again,” Pilakowski said. “Just focusing on each point and not overwhelming ourselves and going point by point (is important).”

Having each other to rely on during pressure situations has helped them stay calm and have fun. For both Jones and Pilakowski, tennis season is their favorite part of the school year, and getting to compete is what it’s all about. Having each other by their side keeps them focused, confident and happy.

“We can trust one another and realize if I make a mistake, she isn’t going to get mad at me,” Pilakowski said. “We can just go out and have fun.”