Tennis acclimates Hinsdale Central’s Rugile Valiunaite to new country

After moving to the United States from Lithuania when she was 5, Hinsdale Central senior Rugile Valiunaite and her family lived next to Score Tennis & Fitness in Countryside.

Valiunaite was intrigued by the building.

“I always thought it looked like something interesting was in there,” Valiunaite said. “It was a very big place and the sign used to glow. There was a big yellow dot that looked like a flame [the center’s logo]. I couldn’t read English at that point, but I remember always asking if I could go in there. I would see people coming out with big tennis racquets and they looked like they would be cool to hold.”

Valiunaite eventually got a look inside and has been hooked on tennis ever since.

“Tennis was something no one in my family did,” Valiunaite said. “I wanted to do something different.”

Valiunaite and junior Sandra Keta (12-1) beat teammates Erika Oku and Stephanie Dolehide (16-3) in the doubles final Saturday at the Downers Grove South Sectional.

The Willowbrook resident began playing competitively when she was 11 and is now in her fourth varsity season with the Red Devils, who are once again a favorite to take home the state championship. The tournament runs Thursday through Saturday and is hosted by Buffalo Grove.

Valiunaite, a team captain, paired with graduated Katie Lee to finish 6-2 at state a year ago, including winning a clutch match on the final day.

“Last year was a learning experience for her and dealing with the pressure of it will only help her,” Hinsdale Central coach Robin Kramer said. “She kind of embraced the situation and got stronger as the matches became more meaningful. Hopefully that experience translates to this year.”

Valiunaite is also a strong singles player, but Kramer likes her in doubles.

“She’s able to get so many free points because her serve is so big and she can place it well,” Kramer said. “That’s a huge advantage in doubles. She has a big forehand so she can set up herself or her partner up to be aggressive. She’s played phenomenal.”

Many of Hinsdale Central players knew each other before high school through playing in USTA tournaments. Valiunaite and junior teammate Sophia Haleas, of Hinsdale, are close friends.

“She’s really funny and energetic,” Haleas said. “It’s nice being friends because whenever we’re bored, we get together and throw pasta parties and do things with the team. I know she wants to do well at state in her last year and I know she will.”

Valiunaite has trained at other clubs around the area, but Score will always hold a special place in her heart.

“I recently came back to Score two or three months ago,” Valiunaite said. “That’s the place it all started for me and that’s where I want it to end.”

The singles final was all-Hinsdale Central as well, as sophomore Bella Lorenzini (13-1) beat junior Sophia Haleas (11-2), as the Red Devils won their 30th consecutive sectional crown.

“We’re in good shape,” said Valiunaite, who helped Hinsdale Central share the state championship with Lake Forest last season. “Every one of us is ready and we want to do something great. Winning it all is our ultimate goal.”