Filipino-American prodigy wins double gold at West Virginia State Games

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Saphire shows off her two gold medals after a dominant weekend in Huntington.
Embol shows off her two gold medals after a dominant weekend in Huntington.

Crystal Saphire Embol made a powerful statement on the American tennis scene with her double-gold performance at the 2025 West Virginia State Games. The 15-year-old Filipino-American from Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental triumphed in both the Women’s Open and 18 & Under divisions.

Her wins, held at Ritter Park in Huntington, earned her back-to-back titles in the Women’s Open after also winning in 2024. The feat qualifies her for the 2026 State Games of America, set in State College, Pennsylvania.

Teen Ace Continues Her Meteoric Rise

Crystal Saphire in action during the Women’s 18 & Under finals.
Embol in action during the Women’s 18 & Under finals.

Embol trains at Teays Valley Tennis Center under veteran coach Bob Mooney. She will enter her sophomore year at Herbert Hoover High School this fall while maintaining an intense summer training schedule.

Her dedication was on full display in West Virginia, where she proved unshaken despite the rising pressure. Now, with national qualification secured, she’s firmly on the radar of U.S. tennis scouts.

Proud Heritage, Bright Future

Born in the Philippines and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, Embol proudly embraces her Filipino roots. Her achievements shine a light on the talent emerging from both sides of the Pacific.

From Sapang Dalaga to the American tennis elite, Crystal Saphire is a rising star to watch. With her dual victories, she is now one of the top young players representing Filipino excellence on international courts.

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