Garton is thriving at No. 1 singles for MIHS

Published 3:30 pm Friday, April 3, 2026

With a pair of 3A state doubles titles in her pocket the last two years, Mercer Island High School (MIHS) junior Sarah Garton is thriving on the singles tennis scene during the Islanders’ regular season.

Garton — who won the state doubles crowns with her sister Rachel — was recently named a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association athlete of the week for her strong No. 1 singles play as the Islanders got off to a 6-1 start.

“It’s going well. It’s been a fun season. I’m playing more competitive players this year, which has been really fun,” said Sarah, who sported a 3-2 individual record at press time.

While matches may be stressful, Sarah gives it her all on the court and gains motivation from her supportive teammates. Sarah is confident in her strong forehand and in her serve while staying focused on the point at hand, she said.

On the team front for the Islanders — who won their third consecutive state team crown last season — Sarah praised the No. 1 doubles team of senior Mia Kinney and junior Jayne Tintle, who placed fifth at state last year, and junior singles player Kara Hillberg.

“We’re really team-oriented and really focused on supporting each other and just really motivating each other — always cheering each other on at matches and stuff,” said Sarah, who swung into the tennis realm at the age of 5 or 6.

Sarah said it was a fun and unique opportunity to play doubles with sister Rachel. The experience strengthened the junior’s mental game since they gutted it out in some stressful matches.

“So just being able to bring that mindset that I kind of fostered through that into this season has been important,” Sarah said.

The Reporter asked Sarah a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her life:

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?

My dad (Kyle) says don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. And I think that’s just an important reminder to always be working hard and trying your best because that’s all you can do.

If you could go to dinner with one person, who would that be?

Maybe like a tennis player, like Serena Williams. I think that’d be cool. I could ask her some questions about tennis.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

I think I’d say either “Interstellar,” or I really like comedy movies as well, so maybe “21 Jump Street.”

What’s your favorite restaurant on the Island?

I think it’d probably be Hap’s.

What’s a special skill that you’d like to learn when you’re not playing tennis and doing all the other stuff you do?

I’d really like to be able to speak a new language fluently or maybe play an instrument like the guitar.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I like all kinds of music. I’d say my favorite genre is pop music, but I also like country folk type of music as well.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I think my biggest pet peeve is probably people who chew loudly.

If you’re having a tough day at school, what’s a good way to break out of that?

I’d say just maybe either talking to family and friends or I really like taking my dog on a long walk so I can just kind of relax and think.