ASPIRE Athlete Of The Week For Nov. 1: Sonya Das

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- She's a leader on the court, and in the classroom.

Two-time state champion Sonya Das from St. Paul Academy and Summit School is focused on her game and her future.

Her determination to excel is just one of the reasons why she's our ASPIRE Athlete of the Week.

She picked up her first racquet at 6 and 12 years later, Das has no plans to put it down.

"Tennis is a really mental sport," she said. "There's a certain type of focus you need to have. And that mindset, when I'm in a match and playing my best, it's amazing. It's indescribable."

Undefeated in the season, the senior captain won the Class A singles title for the second year in a row.

"She's definitely putting in extra time and that shows," Jono Martin said.

Her coach, Jono Martin, credits her success to her drive.

"To be undefeated throughout the season and not really give any free games or free points along the way is a true testament to her focus," she said.

She also focuses on the books, and in addition to boasting a 3.96 GPA, Das is continuing a research project at the University of Minnesota.

"I followed a researcher and learned basic methodology of cell culturing," she said. "It was really cool and a really neat opportunity to be involved with something that has so many potential applications for future medicine."

Now she's focusing on picking a college where tennis and academics can co-exist.