Three-time Division II state singles champion senior Amiya Bowles will play for the boys tennis team this spring.
Bowles is a five-star recruit who, in December, signed to play for Michigan State next year. She is ranked first in the state, second in the Great Lakes region and 40th in the country by Tennis Recruiting Network.
Although it is rare, girls are permitted to play for boys teams if they remain eligible, meaning they do not also play for the girls team in the fall.
Bowles, who skipped the girls season to focus on national and international tournaments, said she hopes to help the boys win a state championship.
“That’s the goal and the main reason I chose to play,” she said.
Varsity boys tennis coach Will Gingery said the team is eager to reach the Final Four and compete for a state title.
“Adding Amiya gives us a legitimate opportunity to achieve that goal, and she will play a major role in our success,” he said.
Her decision to skip the girls season this year was for a variety of reasons, Bowles said.
“Ultimately, I wanted bigger challenges and more opportunities to grow my game, especially by gaining experience in women’s tournaments and gaining more international playing experience,” she said.
“I also felt I had accomplished everything I set out to achieve over the years playing girls tennis, and there was nothing left for me to prove there.”
The fall was also busy because of college visits and decisions about her career, Bowles said, making it difficult to stay focused on the high school girls season.
Bowles explained since skipping the girls season, members of the boys team had been encouraging her to play for them.
“I’ve always told them I was not interested, but after their many efforts, I had some conversations and reflection with my family, and it felt like a good opportunity and challenge,” she said.
Bowles added she has practiced with the boys during their season in the past.
“Honestly, it doesn’t feel much different to me,” she said. “When I’m on the court, I’m locked in and focused on what I can control, regardless of who’s on the other side of the net.”
Gingery said Bowles attended boys practices frequently during their season when her tournament schedule allowed for it.
“Typically, she was able to join us once or twice a week when she was in town,” he said.
Bowles said she is most looking forward to the new challenges playing for the boys team will bring.
“I love competition, and we have one of the toughest and most competitive schedules in the state,” she said.
She explained she does not anticipate any significant challenges because she has competed against
boys in clinics and hitting sessions throughout her career and is friends with many players on the boys team.
She said she expects difficult matches but prepares herself for that before playing any opponent.
“Mentally, it’s about the same,” she said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been someone opponents circle on the schedule, and I expect that to continue, if not more so this season. I know every match will be competitive, and I’m ready for that.”
Published and digitized February 2026.
