Levy Support Powers Yoselin’s Journey from Tennis Rookie to 4.0 Scholar-Athlete

Yoselin's Story

From never having played a sport to competing in three — and earning a 4.0 GPA along the way — Highline High School senior Yoselin Estrada has discovered strength, strategy and confidence through athletics. 

Yoseline credits her student-athlete journey to one unexpected beginning: tennis. 

“I had never played sports before high school,” says Yoselin. “I didn’t even know what tennis was. But I lived near the new courts in Sunnydale, and I saw them being built. I got curious. I looked it up, tried out my freshman year, met Coach Babcock and the team, and from there, my interest in sports took off.” 

She earned a varsity spot her first year in tennis, despite no prior experience. More importantly, she found a place to grow. 

“I lacked confidence when I entered high school,” she says. “It was just after the COVID year. Everything was new. I think the biggest challenge was figuring out what it meant to be an athlete — I had never seen myself that way before.” 

“Singles tennis gave me confidence to showcase what I could do by myself, but later, when I moved into doubles, I learned how to trust others — and to let others trust me,” said Yoselin. 

That team spirit carried over as she added soccer and basketball to her schedule. 

“I realized I really liked team sports. As the oldest sister in my family, I’m used to relying only on myself. Sports changed that. They taught me how to be part of a team,” she said. 

Yoselin juggled athletics with a solid academic load, including AP and College in the High School courses. She also played matches that sometimes stretched into the late evening. 

“Some soccer games ended at 10:00 p.m., and I still had to study for a test. Sports taught me time management. They reminded me I’m a student first, athlete second.” 

That balance — and her drive — paid off. Yoselin has been accepted into the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. She plans to major in finance or accounting. Later she hopes to go to law school and eventually become a corporate lawyer. 

“I like having structure. That’s why I joined three sports. I don’t like wasting time — I like having somewhere to be, something to work toward,” she said.  

Yoselin speaks with warmth and gratitude when it comes to her coaches, especially basketball coach Shayna Litman. 

“I’m 4'11", and basketball can be intimidating. Everyone else is taller. But Coach Shayna would say, ‘You radiate 6’4” energy. Nobody’s tall enough to stop you.’ That kind of belief in me changed how I see myself — not just on the court, but in life,” said Yoselin.  

Yoselin also gives a shoutout to HHS Athletic Director Lori Box, who makes a point to be visible and available to students. 

“She always holds meetings before each sports season to connect with families and athletes. That kind of support matters,” said Yoselin.  

Thanks to Highline’s local education levy — approved by voters in 2021 — student-athletes like Yoselin have access to the coaches, teams and opportunities that build leadership, confidence and life skills. In addition to academic, mental health, community safety and other support staff, the levy helps fund coach stipends and athletic staffing beyond what the state provides. 

“Without my coaches, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” Yoselin says. “Sports made me a stronger student, a better teammate and a more confident person. I’m really grateful for everything I’ve learned — and for the people who made it possible.”