HighFIVE: Lorena Cedeno

Lorena Cedeno is a bright light every time she steps on the court

The end of the year is a time of reflection for many and for one Colorado junior tennis player, 2022 was a year full of positives.

Lorena Cedeno started playing tennis around the age of 5 in her native Venezueula. “Pretty much everyone in my family plays or played tennis” says Lorena, who credits her mom with being her biggest cheerleader.

Lorena and her family moved to Colorado two years ago and she made an immediate impact on the tennis scene here.

While joining a team at a new school in a new country might seem daunting for most, Lorena jumped right in without hesitation. She started her high school career in the No. 2 singles spot for Cherry Creek High School. Now 17 and in her senior year, Lorena has posted an impressive undefeated record at No. 2 singles – having not lost a set and losing only 16 games in two years!

Lorena’s dominance at her position led to her winning back-to-back Colorado High School State Championship titles, helping Cherry Creek High School win their 37^th and 38^th state titles and being named team captain and CHSAA/MaxPreps All-State First Team in both 2021 and 2022.

“My favorite moments in high school tennis have been the State Championships,” says Lorena. “There is so much adrenaline which makes it really exciting. It’s the most important moment in high school tennis and our team makes it really fun.”

Fun is definitely something that Lorena brings to the court. Mike Phillips, Sr. Youth Program Manager at Denver Tennis Park, has been Lorena’s primary coach since she started playing out of the facility last spring.

Mike says “She started individual lessons the day after she won her last state singles title and has been full time in our Advanced Development Program since. Lorena lights up the court as soon as she arrives! She is hard working and so fun to have around. Put Lorena in a fun team game, play some good music, and she brings the synergy, the energy and the magic!”

Since starting at Denver Tennis Park, Lorena has become an active volunteer and helps coach their youth programs. Phillips says “Lorena truly cares about our kids having a great experience, bringing her enthusiasm and kind spirit to all the kids at the DTP! It has been such a privilege having her on our team!” Lorena also volunteered to the be the manager of the boys’ tennis team at Cherry Creek. “I really like volunteering because it’s nice to help and meet new people,” says Lorena.

Beyond Lorena’s excellent on-court record and her commitment to giving back to tennis, she was also honored at the 2022 USTA Colorado Hall of Fame Gala with the Phyllis Lockwood Award which is given to a girl between the ages of 15-18 who display outstanding sportsmanship.

Looking towards the future, the current No. 2 ranked 18 and under singles player in Colorado, Lorena is gearing up for her final high school season at Cherry Creek, as well as playing tournaments and looking to playing in college.

She says, “What I love most is traveling to tournaments, competing and making friends. I just really like the feeling of being on the court competing and with every tournament I play, it only makes me want to play more and to do better in the next one.”

With Lorena’s talent, desire and positive attitude, we’re sure her 2023 will be just as, if not more, full of amazing tennis memories as 2022 has been.

MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.