Kayla Bussard Becomes Winningest Player in School History
Sep 5, 2025|Girls Tennis
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Senior Kayla Bussard knew the day would likely come this year, she just didn't know when or where. Poetically, it was on the night she would get to enjoy the moment not only with her teammates, but with the very player whose record she broke.
The Comets traveled to Avon High School for day 1 of the annual Lorain County Athletic Administrators Association tournament, pitting the best the county has to offer. Kayla has participated in the tournament every year and has finished 3rd once and 2nd twice at 1st Singles. She is poised to finally capture the elusive title as the #1 seed in her senior year. Unbeknownst to her, she also walked into day 1 of the tournament with an overall record of 70-27, the exact same record as Steele alumna Natlie Keron Campbell. Natalie graduated in 2015 and has held the record of 70 career wins for the last 10 years. She is currently the head coach of the Avon Varsity B tennis team, a team who happens to be at the very same tournament.
Kayla waited off the court as the play-in match between Avon B and Vermilion would decide who the possible 71st victory would come from. No one could have drawn it any better, as it would be Natalie's 1st Singles player from Avon B who would be the challenger. Natalie sat courtside, coaching her player as she took on the heavy task of trying to take down the juggernaut 1 seed. Kayla would prevail 6-2 6-1.
No one said anything, just a few fist bumps and off the players went to report the scores. As the nighttime fell on the courts and the players concluded their matchups, Avon Head Coach Eric Korey, Avon Athletic Director Erich Frombach, and Steele Head Coach Kyle Hougland summoned Kayla onto an empty lit Court 1. Kayla probably thought she had done something and was in trouble. Korey and Frombach then congratulated Kayla on breaking the school record, followed by Natalie appearing next to Kayla to give her praises as well as a warm embrace from one Comet to another. The rest of the team ran behind Kayla with custom shirts that had Kayla's name and the number 71 on the back to commemorate the occasion. The team then enveloped Kayla with a hug of their own before they made their way onto the bus heading back to the school.
Congratulations, Kayla. 71 and COUNTING!
Day 2 of the LCAAA tournament is Saturday morning at Avon HS, as Kayla and others look to bring home top finishes and a possible team championship!