Golden Eagle tennis ready to hit the court

Seven years ago, a group of young stars took Pee Dee Academy tennis to the top, winning the school’s first state title.
In the time since then, the faces of both the players and the coaches have changed. But, the commitment to tradition and excellence has not.

Jerry Coleman, in his third year as head tennis coach, has a group of eight that is ready for another run at the crown.

“The girls have been working very hard,” Coleman said. “They know the goal here is always to get back to state.”

Last year’s team defended the state titles they won in 2006 and 2007 valiantly before falling to Colleton Prep in the semi-finals.

A good thing the Golden Eagles have going for them, however, is that four of the eight that are on the squad had championship experience.

The #1 seed, Caroline Shelley, is a senior and sixth year player who has seen the blue and gold bring home the title twice.

The #2 seed, Faith Baxley, and #3 seed, C.C. Causey, are also seniors who have been there in the big moment and who are back and ready for more.

At the #4 spot is sophomore, Anna Scruggs, who was also a member of the 2007 team that brought home gold.

Playing at the #5 spot is an eighth grader, Amber Mincey, junior Kelsey Coleman is the #6. Junior Megan Hooks and eight grader Hannah Hooks round out the rotation.

In doubles action, Shelley and Baxley hook up as Coleman’s top duo, while Causey and Coleman will be at #2 doubles. The third doubles team will feature Megan Hooks and Scruggs or Mincey will rotate at the second spot on the doubles pair.

“The seniors on this team have been together a long time, so they know each other’s games,“ Coleman said of his team leaders. “These girls have seen a lot and been through a lot together.“
When asked about his team’s prospects for the season, Coleman remarked, “We do have to get better before state to have a chance to win. We also have to believe in each other and believe we can win. Once we do that, there is no limit to have far we can go.“

This year’s tennis region includes defending state champion, Carolina, along with Trinity, Williamsburg, Marlboro and King’s.

So far on the season, the Golden Eagles are 9-0 with a pair of wins over Florence Christian, Thomas Sumter, Trinity, Williamsburg, Robert E Lee, King’s and Aynor High School.

The team has big matches this week against Carolina and Marion High School. This year’s state tournament, as always, will be held in Sumter. The state championships will be there as well on Oct. 24.