The Lady Jacket Tennis Season Takes Off!

Logan Smith
September 3, 2009
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports

The tennis team is off to the start of their season.  Heavy conditioning, hardcore two-a-days, numerous challenge matches, and abundant clinics and drills are being put to the test as the girls step out onto the courts to face-off against some of the highest ranked teams in the state.

This season, the Lady Jackets have a few changes, and the biggest change is a new head coach.  Mrs. Ramey took over for retired coach, Mrs. Luquire this season. Mrs. Ramey has many years of experience, as well as a son who now plays at the college level.

Margaret Ann Williams, a senior, has been playing tennis for about five years and has been on the team for four. She thinks that the Jackets are looking strong.  “I think we are going to have a very successful season because we have all worked very hard and we have all become stronger players.”

Fellow senior, Anna Flouras, says “I think the upcoming season is going to be a lot of fun. We have all been working really hard over the summer and I think it is going to show in our matches. It is going to be different with our new coach, but she has some good ideas. I think it’s going to be a great season!” Flouras has been playing tennis for eight years.

One obstacle the team had to face was the number one player, Grace Manci, being injured during conditioning. Manci suffered from muscle spasms in her back. “Every time I moved, there was intense pain. It hurt to sit, to stand, to walk, and to play tennis. I’m glad I recovered and I plan to play in the upcoming matches. I hope this year we can go to state, especially because half our team is made up of seniors. This year I’m most focused on playing against Aiken. We’re normally pretty evenly matched and it would be great to win this year!” Manci has eight years of tennis under her belt, three of which she has been the number one seed on the team.

According to the players, this season looks to be very promising for the Lady Jackets. Hopefully all the hard work the team put into improving their skills will pay off and result in a successful season!