Chico High School’s Kylie Vaughn has secured her place in tennis history by winning both the singles and doubles championships at the CIF Northern Section individual tournament, marking her fourth consecutive year of dominance. On November 4, 2025, Vaughn achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Remi Hunter of Pleasant Valley High School with a commanding score of 6-0, 6-0. She then joined forces with fellow teammate Grace Pfeiffer to clinch the doubles title against Pleasant Valley’s Kendall Harrigan and Hunter, winning 6-1, 6-1.
Vaughn’s accomplishments extend beyond individual titles. She is the first player to win the Eastern Athletic League title for both singles and doubles four years in a row, as well as the Northern Section title. Under her leadership, the Chico Panthers have also secured team titles in both the EAL and NSCIF for four consecutive years.
Preparing for the NorCal Championships
Looking ahead, Vaughn will aim to guide the Panthers to their fourth straight team title in the NorCal Championships, set for Thursday. Chico High School will face the Orland Trojans at 14:00 in a highly anticipated matchup.
Reflecting on her journey, Vaughn expressed her gratitude for the experiences she has gained over her high school career. “It’s been a really great experience. I’ve enjoyed my time playing with the different teams and playing with my cousin,” she said. “I love getting that experience of playing with each and every girl. It’s crazy to think about the last four years. Sometimes I think about how did I do it, and other times I’m like I worked really hard for it.”
Vaughn has not only excelled in EAL play but has also maintained an impressive record in Northern Section playoffs, not dropping a single game in her singles matches.
A Coach’s Praise
Chico’s tennis coach, Randy Agnew, commended Vaughn’s hard work and dedication. “She has worked extremely hard and she is responsible for all of it,” he stated. “She has put in hours and hours on the court and she deserves every bit of this. I can’t think of another player I’ve coached who has put in the amount of time she has.”
During her singles match against Hunter, Vaughn showcased her skill by expertly placing the ball and executing powerful shots. Agnew highlighted her exceptional control, stating, “The thing that separates her as a player is she can put the ball wherever she wants and has so much control.” He noted that she has the ability to set up her opponents with deep shots before delivering decisive finishes.
In a testament to her talent, Agnew compared Vaughn to local tennis legend Matt Lucena, a former Chico High and Cal Berkeley alumnus who won the mixed doubles US Open in 1995. Lucena, who has trained with Vaughn for the past six months, was present to watch her championship match. “She’s basically the female Matt,” Agnew remarked, underscoring her status as one of the most dominant female tennis players to emerge from the region.
As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming NorCal Championships, Vaughn’s legacy within the Chico High School tennis program is already firmly established. “You can’t replace Kylie. She’s a legend,” Agnew concluded. “In her sport, she was so dominant, and you knew she wasn’t going to lose. She’s leaving a legacy behind that’s going to be tough to beat.”
