Elizabeth Kobak, a Jericho eighth-grader, recently posted impressive results at two prestigious European Tennis Association events in England and France. One of only four girls selected by USA Tennis High Performance national coaches to represent the country on a two-week tour of Europe, Kobak is the first girl from Long Island to receive this honor.

In 2001, Kobak had success at a number of prominent events, achieving USTA National Rankings in every age group: G12 #2; G14 #10; G16 #97; G18 #148. She also showed great promise competing in 18-and-under events on the ITF World Junior Circuit, earning a 2001 International Tennis Federation ranking in Girls 18-and-under. Kobak's remarkable, every-age category, 2001 ranking records marks a historical first in United States Tennis Association history.

Kobak picked up where she left off in 2001, with an outstanding start to her year of competing on the junior tennis circuit. At Teen Tennis in Telford, England, held Jan. 21-27, Kobak won two singles matches and lost two. The following week at Les Petits As, the most prestigious 14-and-under tournament in the world, held in Tarbes, France, Kobak won four singles matches and lost one. Notable players who have competed in Les Petits As when young girls are Martina Hingis, Anna Kournikova, Kim Clijsters and Lindsay Davenport.

Cecile Wren, principal of Jericho Middle School, on behalf of the administration and staff, commented, "Bravo! We are confident that your talents and leadership ability will be recognized and applauded."