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TheLotto Elite Hot 100 lists are published each month, and the October Hot 100 lists feature the 100 boys and girls who most improved their rankings during the month of September. You can find out more about the Lotto Elite Hot 100 - and how the lists are calculated - by reading here.

The latest lists, published today, are available here:

• Boys' Hot 100
• Girls' Hot 100

We talked to two of the top performers:

DeCora Antoine (Round Rock, Texas)

DeCora Antoine, a three-star junior, jumped 25 places in the TennisRecruiting Network rankings from No. 348 to No. 323.

Among the 5-foot-8 right-hander’s recent accomplishments, Antoine went 3-1 at the L3 Open Oklahoma City Dominant Team Event. She also won the consolation title at the L4 Closed Southern Oaks tournament at Burleson, Texas.

Three-Star Junior DeCora Antoine
© Contributed Photo

To what does DeCora attribute her success and rise in the rankings?

“I think I would credit my good play last month to my ability to be more focused during matches,” Antoine said. “Also, I have been hitting more against the boys. They hit very hard and are so quick. When I am hitting with them, I really have to step up my game. One other thing that has helped is that I am trying to be more defensive, and then turn on the offense when the time is right.

“I would describe myself as an all-court player. I am not afraid to go to the net to create opportunities to win points. My speed is one of my main strengths. I try my best to chase every ball, no matter what, in an attempt to force my opponent to have to play that extra point.”

Antoine is also a history maker. Last May, Antoine teamed up with Ramitha Irrinki and reached the girls doubles final at the University Interscholastic League Class 6A Championships, held in San Antonio. It marked the first time the Round Rock High Dragons advanced to a Texas state final in tennis.

Her Round Rock High coach is Neil Grobler. Antoine also trains with Steve Cobb and Iousa Malaki from Berry Creek Tennis Club in Georgetown, Texas.

“We have been working tactically on trying to dictate more points with my forehand and using it as a weapon at the same time,” Antoine said. “We are also working on shot selection to increase my shot tolerance in an effort to reduce errors. I think one of the biggest things is that all my coaches have been re-enforcing mental toughness, staying focused, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Last, but of course, not least, we are working on my serve and returning, in an attempt to not give the opponent any ‘free’ points.”

When she was a toddler, Antoine’s parents, Ametra and Glen Antoine, drove her by tennis courts and she would say ‘that’s my game.’ Her mom bought her a Dora the Explorer tennis racket and they would hit tennis balls together. Antoine started taking group lessons in the second grade and her parents saw she was improving. She began private lessons at the age of 8.

Nowadays, time permitting, Antoine gives tennis lessons to her mom. She said her mother is eager to learn the game.

“DeCora is incredibly brave, both on and off the court,” her parents said. “She has always defended others who were afraid to speak up or were being bullied by others. In tennis, she is not afraid to play the big points, and oftentimes plays the bigger points better than almost anyone else.

“Physically, she has an advantage over most players because of her legs. They provide her with both speed and strength, which she can apply as needed. She is also very tough and plays extremely well from behind.”

Antoine is an excellent student-athlete. She received the Academic All-District Award for Tennis last year, and was presented her school’s Academic Excellence Award for having a grade-point average of 4.0 or higher.

She said she is open to various types of colleges, and is leaning toward a major in business. Antoine wants to compete in a program where there is team synergy and a family atmosphere. She also hopes to contribute immediately to the team’s success.