Malia Lum has more than proven herself as a tennis player. Alongside Anissa Bryant-Swift, Lum won back-to-back 3A doubles state championships in 2009 and 2010. The duo was dominant together, losing only two sets in eight state matches over the past two years and feeding off one another on the court while building a deep friendship away from the game.

But all of that is old news.

Bryant-Swift has moved on to Bellevue College, where she is starring for the Bulldogs while Lum is adjusting to flying solo.

“It’s been a lot different this year,” Lum admitted. “When we played together it was a lot of fun, we would just feed off of each other’s energy.” The adjustments have not come easy, but Lum is determined to come out the other side a better player and stronger person.

“It’s been nice to kind of grow on my own as a player,” Lum said. “Since I’m playing number one singles this year, I can kind of see how I shape up against other top players.” Sammamish tennis coach Mike Laracuente said he believes Lum is a far superior player to what she was in the past and that her game is now more complete.

One of the biggest challenges has been remaining on task mentally during difficult stretches of a match, something Lum said her former partner was a vital part of during their time together. “It’s been hard for me to stay focused and keep my positivity up,” Lum said of playing alone.

“I’ve got to stay positive and be positive in myself.”

Not only has Lum been forced to reexamine her mental makeup, she has also revamped her approach between the lines. An important part of that has been taking a more patient approach on the court, rather than living purely off her power game. “Growing up, I would try to be a powerhouse and just hit it as hard as a I could,” Lum said. “This year, I’m trying to rally a lot more, it’s more about staying in the point.” Laracuente said Lum has improved both her lateral movement and her ability to get to the net, saying that her swing form is second to none.

The singles game, with longer rallies and extended points has been another shift for Lum, who said she has been working on a slice backhand to help round out her approach and give opponents something else to contend with.

While another state championship would be a crowning achievement, Lum said she is currently focused on making it to the district tournament. And of course, every once in a while, she still finds herself longing for her departed companion in Bryant-Swift. “I definitely miss her being on the team,” Lum said.