Being named District Champions for the first time in Frenship 6-A history is something that the coaches and students will forever hold on to.
“As a coach there are moments you’ll remember forever and this is one of them,” said Assistant Tennis Coach, Shelby May. “Being able to write our own page in school history was an incredible moment and memory I’ll always have. It takes a lot of hard work to be the first team to do it, but all of the hours on court preparing for this moment is always worth it.”
Frenship Tennis Boys Team Captain, Carson Smith feels grateful to check winning District off his bucket list. He’s had the opportunity to play a role in two major wins, one in winning the area championship last year for the first time in school history, and second at the district championship this year.
“It was a very exciting moment when the last match got done and we won. Especially knowing that it was my last time to have the opportunity to win. It was a really fun day,” said Smith. “Everyone wants to make history, and it’s cool to know that most of us have done it twice. It’s rewarding to know that the work the team has put in this year was enough to make history. We have a very strong and capable team, and it’s awesome that we were able to prove it against San Angelo.”
Head Tennis Coach, Chris Wiles, has watched this group grow throughout the entire season and feels honored to be their coach.
“It always feels great to win, but I love seeing a group of kids make history. It gives them confidence and the understanding that they can compete at this level and win. I loved their fight, their energy, and the support they gave each other,” said Head Tennis Coach, Chris Wiles.
Maizy Adams, Girls Team Captain, is not only grateful for the win, but for the people who have supported her along the way.
“I am so thankful to be a part of Frenship Tennis. I have a lot of gratitude towards my coaches for always believing in me,” said Adams.
The District match was definitely a nail-biter. In the last match the Tigers and the Bobcats were tied 9-all and sophomore Mackenzie West clinched the match helping her team win district. The Tigers could barely contain their excitement when they realized that their hard work paid off.
“I thought the team was going to storm the court the second we did win this. And they sure did, singing and jumping around. The energy was magnetic, and the realization hit everyone that we had not just won but that we had achieved two very important things, school history and our goal for the last two seasons wasn’t just a goal anymore but a reality. It was also an amazing legacy to leave behind for our seniors who have given so much to the program over the past 4 years,” said Coach May.
You can’t help but jump with joy after a major win like this. Coach May believes that the legacy Tiger Tennis team is leaving will inspire future tennis players who join the program.
“When I look back on this win, I’ll remember all the hard work, dedication and time our coaching staff and athletes have put into achieving this goal. This championship is so valuable to our current team, but I think it also means a lot to those younger Tigers coming up who inspire to play at the varsity level someday,” said Coach May. “I’ve spoken to our players about how what they do now creates a legacy not just for themselves but also for others in this school community, and especially their chance at establishing a winning tradition for others to follow. A lot of younger players were there at the match supporting our team and I think this championship will inspire those younger players to work hard and want to be a part of the winning tradition we are establishing within the FHS tennis program.”
Congratulations students, Frenship is proud of you!
District Score Lines vs. San Angelo Central
Boys doubles
- Smith/Boyce lost 6-8 at line 1
- Lowder/Rodriguez won 8-5 at line 2
- Lambert/Irelan won 8-6 at line 3
Mixed doubles:
- McCombs/Hancock lost 6-8 at line 1
Girls doubles
- Mccombs/Adams lost 5-8 at line 1
- Lowder/Norman won 8-4 at line 2
- Wiles/Murray lost 5-8 at line 3
Boys singles
- Carson Smith won 6-1, 6-0 at line 1
- Oliver Boyce lost 6-4, 6-7 (5-7) 12-14 at line 2
- Preston Lowder won 7-5, 6-3 at line 3
- Aiden Irelan won 1-6, 6-2 10-2 at line 4
- Dylan Lambert lost 3-6, 6-4, 8-10 at line 5
- Carson Rodriguez won 6-3, 6-4 at line 6
Girls singles
- Maizy Adams lost 2-6, 2-6 at line 1
- Lauren McCombs lost 4-6, 3-6
- Alyssa Lowder won 6-4, 6-1 at line 3
- Hope Hancock won 7-5, 6-1 at line 4
- Bryleigh Norman lost 3-6, 0-6 at line 5
- Mackenzie West won 6-2, 6-3 at line 6