CLEVELAND, Ohio – Gilmour Academy tennis coach Claudia Althans knew she had something special in Grier Peckham and Caroline Koch the first time they stepped onto the court for varsity action. To open the season, the highly touted freshmen paired up at the Columbus School for Girls Doubles Invitational at No. 1 doubles in the top bracket.
The duo cruised to the title, defeating Olentangy (8-1), Hathaway Brown (8-1), and Hawken (6-2, 6-4). “I saw them play together in the first tournament of the year and I was completely wowed,” said Althans. “I thought they could win the state title playing like that.
” It was a sign of things to come, as the two starred at No. 2 and No. 3 singles for the Lancers during the season, going a combined 30-0.
Teaming up for the state tournament, the freshmen showcased their chemistry to win the Division II state doubles championship – the first in school history. Following one of the most historic seasons as freshmen in NE Ohio, Grier Peckham and Caroline Koch are the 2024 cleveland.com girls tennis Players of the Year.
“It starts with their chemistry. They’re best friends on and off the court and you can see that. They’re always there to pick one another up,” added Althans.
“You don’t see doubles like this often in high school, let alone as freshmen. It’s really impressive.” After cruising their way to both the Strongsville sectional and NE Ohio district titles – winning every match in straight sets – the Lancers duo.
