A 16-year-old from Charleston, West Virginia, just made history for an entire community half a world away. Crystal Saphire Embol became the first Filipina to win a State Games of America National Championship, capturing two gold medals in tennis at Penn State University.

She says the inspiration behind her breakthrough run traces directly back to Filipina tennis star Alex Eala.

The State Games of America, one of the country’s premier Olympic-style amateur multi-sport championships, drew thousands of qualified athletes from across the United States to State College, Pennsylvania. Representing Team West Virginia, Embol left with two national titles and a piece of history.

A Dominant Run To Double Gold

Embol, a student at George Washington High School, opened her championship run with a win over Sonia Jumaquio of Colorado Springs, Colorado, 8-4, in the Women’s Open Singles National Championship. She followed that up with a dominant 8-0 victory over Carol Marker of Florida in the title match, sealing her first gold medal of the tournament.

She wasn’t finished. Embol went on to capture the Women’s Open Doubles National Championship as well, completing a sweep that made her the first Filipina to ever win a State Games of America national title, as verified by the State Games of West Virginia.

Earlier in the week, she had already been given the honor of serving as flag bearer for Team West Virginia during the Opening Ceremony, leading the state’s delegation into one of the nation’s largest amateur sporting events.

Eala’s Influence and a Message of Gratitude

Though she competed under the West Virginia banner, Embol made clear that her Filipino heritage was never far from her mind, crediting Alex Eala as one of the driving forces behind her success.

“Alex Eala is definitely one of my biggest idols,” Embol said. “She has inspired me to dream bigger, work harder, and proudly represent my Filipino culture every time I step onto the tennis court. Watching her compete inspires me to believe that young Filipinos can achieve great things through faith, dedication, and perseverance. I hope to inspire other young Filipino athletes the way she has inspired me.”

Following her historic win, Embol shared an extended message thanking her family, her coach Bob Mooney of Teays Valley Tennis Center, the Tri-State Sports Commission, and her supporters both in West Virginia and the Philippines.

“These two national gold medals are not just mine, they belong to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” she said. “I am honored to represent West Virginia and proud to represent my Filipino heritage.”

At just 16, Embol has already etched her name into the history books. With Eala’s own rise on the world stage continuing to inspire young Filipino athletes, her breakthrough run in Pennsylvania looks like it could be just the beginning.

Championship Highlights

• 🥇 First Filipina to win a State Games of America National Championship (verified by the State Games of West Virginia)
• 🥇 Women’s Open Singles National Champion
• 🥇 Women’s Open Doubles National Champion
• 🎾 Defeated Sonia Jumaquio (Colorado Springs, Colorado) — 8-4
• 🎾 Defeated Carol Marker (Florida) — 8-0
• 🇺🇸 Flag Bearer for Team West Virginia