Most sophomores spend varsity sports trying to crack the lineup. Ishwa Dharan took over the top spot — and dominated.

The Andover High standout capped her breakout season by earning Eagle-Tribune Girls Tennis Player of the Year and Merrimack Valley Conference Large School Player of the Year after going 14-3 at No. 1 singles against the area's toughest competition.

Dharan became the first underclassman to lead the Golden Warriors at No. 1 singles since 2019, and coach Alan Hibino said her calm demeanor disappears the moment a match begins.

"She's quiet and soft spoken off the court," Hibino said. "But she is a fierce competitor on the court, as tough as they come."

Her heavy topspin backhand has become her trademark, but Hibino said it's her work ethic that sets her apart. After team practices, Dharan often headed back to the courts for another training session with her father.

She wasted little time proving she belonged. After posting a 19-1 record at No. 2 singles as a freshman, Dharan stepped into the lineup's toughest spot this spring and didn't miss a beat.

Her biggest moment came in the Division 1 Round of 16, where unbeaten Needham eliminated Andover 4-1. Dharan accounted for the Golden Warriors' lone win.

The scary part for opponents? Dharan still has two more varsity seasons left.