Mullins tennis star makes it official with college signing

Mullins High School Lady Aucs tennis coach Rosemary Herring said senior Keneisha Whittington has received a tennis scholarship to play at Columbia College. Whittington made it official, signing a letter of intent to play tennis for the school.

The two-time team MVP, with all-region and all-state honors was accepted to the school back in November and met with the coach Lindsey Hughes and her team in December. Whittington began playing varsity tennis as a freshman, and was also a member of the varsity basketball and softball teams. She is also a member of the BETA club and Art Honor Society.

Whittington was joined by her teammates on the tennis team, along with parents Kenneth Whittington and Monique Covington. Superintendent Nathaniel Miller, Principal Ted Greene, and Athletic Director Ron Lanham were also on hand to witness Whittington’s historic moment.

“I’m really excited and really proud to be from Mullins High School right now,” Whittington said, adding that she’s leaving the team in good hands. The senior class president said Coach Herring is the reason she works as hard as she does and has been visualizing the moment since her sophomore year.

“I’m very proud. She’s really grounded and knows what she wants to do,” Covington said. The proud mom said Whittington has been focused on her goals since elementary school. Kenneth Whittington called it a proud moment to see his daughter’s signing.

“I see a leader, which we really need on our team,” Coach Hughes said, adding that Whittington’s calm demeanor will translate well on the court next season.

Herring said she told her team, Whittington will not be the last to sign a tennis scholarship, adding the team is like a family with great support from the parents. “She is very hard working and has a lot of heart for the game,” Herring said.

Keneisha Whittington was joined by her teammates on the tennis team during her signing, along with parents Kenneth Whittington and Monique Covington. Superintendent Nathaniel Miller, Principal Ted Greene, and Athletic Director Ron Lanham were also on hand to witness Whittington’s historic moment.

The Mullins High School girls’ varsity tennis team came out to support Keneisha Whittington as she officially signs on to play at Columbia College. Joining Whittington are Brooke Kirkland, Jessica Nettles,Jeria Grant, Kelsey Sarvis, Kara Brockington, Janell Brantley, Michelle Hayes,Destiny Best, Bria Williams, and Shakayra Wortham.

Initially in this story, and others, Whittington was reported to be the first Mullins High School girl to receive a tennis scholarship upon graduation. That is not the case. Amanda Richardson of Mullins High School Class of 1996, has that distinction. She played for Coker College. School officials issued a retraction and said “Our apologies to Amanda Richardson and her family for any discomfort this may have caused and we wish Amanda and Keneisha continued success in all of their future endeavors.“