Worthington — Not all paths are created equal, and the traditional route isn’t always the one that leads to success. For Addi Bennington, her journey took a detour through the USTA circuit during her freshman year — a decision that paid off in spades this season.
In her first high school season at Worthington Kilbourne, Bennington qualified for the state tournament after placing third in the Central Region this fall. She finished the season with a 24-2 record, remaining unbeaten at 23-0 until the regional semifinals.
It was a season that put her on the map and catches the attention of media that aren’t in the know of the club circuit. Bennington believes her detour greatly benefit her this season.
“It is harder playing against older athletes and the competition is stronger,” she said. “It gave me more time to practice and get better. My serve got better from it.”
Bennington picked up tennis at a young age, guided by parents who both play the sport — including her mother, a former player at Cedarville University. She eventually pursued it seriously around age 11.
What Bennington appreciates most about tennis is its demand for versatility: players have to be multi-dimensional, not just specialists like in many other sports.
“Tennis is a mix of a technical sport and athletic sport,” Bennington said. “You have to be both athletic and work on technique as well. I like that about it.”
Bennington’s season ended in the first round of the state tournament, but that result doesn’t diminish what she’s accomplished. She’s fully embraced Kilbourne’s culture and the support of her teammates along the way.
“This season has been a really good time, everyone has been really supportive and cheering me on,” she said. “I was excited to make it to state, and it was a good achievement.”
Bennington made an immediate impact transitioning from the club circuit to the high school stage, and her ceiling will only continue to rise with more experience and refinement. Like many before her, this is only the beginning for her potential.
Addi Bennington is a name Central Ohio should know in girls tennis, and yet another elite athlete proudly representing Worthington Kilbourne.
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