Linden leaves winning legacy at Barrington

Barrington's tennis program has been blessed with the Linden family as the cornerstone of its program in the last decade.

The last of the siblings, senior Michelle Linden, takes her final trip to the high school state tournament this weekend after placing second in singles play at the Stevenson sectional last Saturday.

She also will continue her career at the collegiate level after making a verbal commitment to Wisconsin.

The standout Fillie plans on majoring in business with the Badgers.

"I think the environment is really strong there," Linden said. "The girls get along well, which reminds me of Barrington. They made me feel at home. I think (Wisconsin coach) Tina (Samara) is a very knowledgeable coach. I really like the whole environment.

"I looked at a couple Big 10 schools that were sports-focused, but Wisconsin was always at the top of my list."

Linden is no stranger to the high school tournament, having recently punched her fourth straight ticket in her illustrious career. Sisters Jessica, Alli and Kelsey also competed in the state tourney.

Jessica and Kelsey were a part of the 2005-06 team that was runner-up in state, and Kelsey also won the doubles championship with partner Whitney Martin that fall.

"For sure, (it was intimidating) playing after my sisters," Michelle said. "I felt there was some pressure, given my last name. My family never put the pressure on me and neither did (Barrington coach) Tracy (Waters-Miller), but there was a self goal of trying to make those achievements. My family has always been supportive."

Michelle has a slew of accolades her on her own resume.

In four years, Linden played one year as a doubles team with Zoe Kasiurak before going three years at No. 1 singles.

She's accumulated over 80 wins, a top-eight state doubles finish, a top-16 state finish in singles as a sophomore, a top-12 state singles finish as a junior, along with two Mid-Suburban League championships and two sectional titles.

In the seasons she was not a conference or sectional champion, Linden was the runner-up.

Barrington coach Tracy Waters-Miller, who has been at the helm for each of the Linden sisters' tenure, reminisced about the Fillies senior's growth as a player and a student.

Waters-Miller also enjoys the fact she can visit Linden on campus next year to watch her matches.

"My favorite memory of Michelle is when she was just 4 years old and would come watch her sisters play, and she would always be hitting a ball up against the Barrington High School wall," Waters-Miller said. "She would always be interested in watching the matches, too. Michelle has really evolved into an elite player. I wish I had a luxury of another Linden on the team."

Linden's own favorite memory of her high school career is during the sectional semifinals when she defeated a Stevenson alum (who was a doubles state champ in 2013-14) in an arduous 6-1, 1-6, 6-2 victory.

Linden also notes winning three matches in the backdraw of last year's state tournament as a highlight.

"(Michelle) will be immensely missed," Waters-Miller said. "Michelle was so interesting, because she carried a combination of her sisters' games. She has Jessica's hard-hitting game, Alli's quickness and Kelsey's mental toughness. I'm so proud and so happy for her.

"She has just been a lot of fun. It was different with her sisters - I was trying to develop a program, discipline and routine. With Michelle, it's just automatic with this team - and Michelle has seen that and gone with it."

With the state tournament kicking off Thursday at tournament central Buffalo Grove and the other 11 MSL schools, Linden has one goal - to finish among the top four players. Joining Linden from Barrington are the doubles team of senior Anna Donoghue and junior Nidhi Jha.

Linden earned a 5-8 seed and has her first match against Banu Gulecyuz of Morgan Park, at Barrington.

"You have to savor every moment because the years have gone by so fast," Linden said. "I want to focus to get deep in the main draw, cracking that quarterfinal match. I need to get in that top eight, and going from there, we will see where I end up.

"Whenever my last match is, I'm going to cry and be emotional. It was a great journey. Tracy (Waters-Miller) has been awesome. I'm going to miss the team and high school tennis."