Few programs in Washington high school athletics have matched the dominance of the Mercer Island girls tennis team. Over nearly four decades, the Islanders built a tradition of excellence, winning an astounding 35 KingCo championships—including a streak of 22 in a row—along with 23 district titles and 25 state championships. Along the way, 21 singles and doubles players captured individual state crowns.

The dynasty began in 1973, when Mercer Island claimed its first state championship. That title launched a string of eight consecutive state titles, followed soon after by another run of seven in a row. The Islanders carried that tradition of sustained excellence into the modern era, adding yet another streak of eight straight state championships from 1997 through 2004.

At the heart of the program’s success was Joyce Hedlund, who guided both the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams at Mercer Island. Hedlund served ten years as the boys’ coach and five years leading the girls, during which time she earned widespread recognition. In 2004, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer named her Girls Tennis Coach of the Year for the entire state. She was also honored multiple times as Coach of the Year by her peers, twice for her work with the girls’ program and three times with the boys’.

Mercer Island’s legacy on the courts is one of sustained dominance, individual brilliance, and extraordinary leadership, cementing its place among the most decorated programs in state history.