Zaskowski’s Rise: From Freshman Runner‑Up to Grand Rapids Spring Star

Lilah Zaskowski first made headlines as a freshman in Michigan’s Division 3 girls tennis state finals, finishing second in the top singles category against a seasoned opponent. That early experience set the stage for her growth into one of Forest Hills Eastern’s key players, now ranked tenth in the division. Her current season record—15 wins and only three losses—has drawn attention from fans across the region, earning her the title of Grand Rapids area’s best spring athlete for 2027. In the voting, Zaskowski captured nearly two‑thirds of the ballots with 8, 778 votes, outpacing the next favorite, a Hopkins baseball star who posted impressive numbers both at bat and on the mound. Zaskowski’s junior campaign features eleven victories over former state qualifiers, while her three defeats were close battles. One notable loss came in a straight‑sets match against a sophomore from GR Christian, who halted her playoff run last year. That matchup highlighted the competitive rivalry that could surface again in the upcoming regional tournament, where both players might advance to the state finals.Over her high‑school career, Zaskowski holds a 58‑15 record, including an impressive 25‑4 freshman season that saw her lose only to eventual state champions. Her steady improvement and resilience make her a standout athlete in Michigan’s high‑school tennis scene. The Forest Hills Eastern squad will kick off their Division 3 journey at Petoskey High School on May 14, facing strong regional opponents from East Grand Rapids and GR Christian. A rematch with Honholt could ignite a fresh chapter in their rivalry, potentially setting the stage for both to reach the state finals. As Zaskowski and her teammates prepare for a challenging tournament run, fans expect to witness another impressive performance from this talented player who has already proven she can compete at the highest level. The region’s tennis community will be watching closely to see if Zaskowski can translate her junior success into a championship title this season.