Tennis is a family affair for the Kissells of Latrobe: mom Kim and her daughters Michaela, Joelle and Stacia.

Kim, a former player and currently an instructor and a coach, got it all started for the sisters Kissell.

Michaela, a three-time state singles champion at Greater Latrobe, is a sophomore at the University of Miami. She won championships in ninth, 10th and 11th grades but didn't compete as a senior because she tore a knee ligament.

Joelle is a junior at Greater Latrobe who is undefeated at No. 1 singles in eight matches this season and a semifinalist in the WPIAL last year.

Stacia is a ninth-grader at Greater Latrobe, where she plays No. 2 singles.

"Mom's like my best friend. She's always there when I need to hit some balls," Joelle said. "She's been so supportive."

The Kissells share the same name and approach, but they have different games.

"They all have 'must-win' attitudes. They all have outstanding work ethics," Greater Latrobe coach Jon Mains said.

"Michaela is a powerhouse. She really hits the ball. The main thing is Joelle's a finesse player. She likes to outthink her opponents.

Stacia still is developing and has a little of both of her sisters."

Michaela and Joelle spent this past summer working out and training together when they were playing in tournaments.

"I'm proud, of course, of what she's accomplished," Joelle said of Michaela.

"But I'm pretty much focused on what I'm doing. Hitting with her certainly has helped my game.She hits everything with all her strength. I think a little bit and I want to outlast my opponent. I'm trying to learn from her and be more aggressive."

Their personalities reflect their playing styles.

"I'm more quiet, to myself," Joelle said. "She's fun and outgoing."

And Stacia? "She loves to talk. All the time."

Mains said he keeps his teaching to a minimum with Joelle. "I don't tell her too much," he said. "She likes to figure things out herself."

Joelle couldn't figure out how to overcome leg cramps in last year's WPIAL semifinal that ended with a 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 loss to Sarah Lynch of Pine-Richland.

"I've been doing a lot more endurance work to try to make sure that doesn't happen again," Joelle said. "I really want to get to the states. I'm shooting as high as I can go."