Johnsonville – Johnsonville girls tennis coach Brian Welch is having a great time coaching this fall. Welch has a team of dedicated players who are focused on big things this season.
The Flashes are in the hunt for a region title this season but have hopes of competing for a state championship.
“We started the season 5-0 and are in the middle of the region championship hunt. We have to play in a 1A-2A region because many 1-A programs do not have girls' tennis. Hannah-Pamplico, East Clarendon, Marion, Mullins and Green Sea Floyds are all in the conference with us.
“I am very proud of the effort that they all have given, and I am also very thankful for the unwavering support that our administration and community have given to this program. The girls have worked very hard throughout the summer, and we are starting to see the results.
“We have had a team motto of "Row the Dadgum Boat" for three years now. That embodies a never-say-die attitude, and we want to keep doing that every day that we have the opportunity to play tennis.”
Senior Nicole Cook is the lone senior in the starting lineup and plays the No. 1 singles position. Welch says Cook is much more than a tennis player.
“Nicole Cook is the only senior on the roster, and she is our undoubted leader,” Welch says. “She is currently undefeated in singles and No. 1 doubles. She plays with an indomitable spirit and is confident in her game, as she should be. She is also a leader in our FCA program and ranked at the top of her class academically. She is the true definition of a student-athlete.”
Sophomore Lilly Margaret Driggers plays No. 2 singles.
“She is also contributing in a major way to the team's success,” Welch reports. “She has won each match thus far in singles and doubles with Nicole.”
Mallory Prosser plays No. 3 single and Sophia Cook is playing No. 4 singles. Juliana Owens and Ada Howell are working at No. 5 singles.
Working at No. 2 doubles are Lexi Hanna and Lucy Truesdale. Other members of the roster include Lauren Newell, Ansley Wise, Ella Rueterman, Sarah Leon, Haidyn Carter and Zoie Eaddy.
“All of these other players have stepped up throughout the season,” Welch said. “ Also, Terry Welch and Ben Jackson have been a tremendous help as assistant coaches to our program. Terry Welch played tennis at Francis Marion University and has brought a wealth of knowledge to practices and matches.”
While winning is the ultimate goal of every team, every coach, and every player, Welch says he continues to focus his efforts on development of his team, on and off the court.
“We try not to focus very much on results, but on the journey that we are taking. If we work hard, do things the right way and treat everyone with respect, then the results will take care of themselves,” he said.
“Results will not define you years from now. People forget accomplishments and awards. We want to focus on representing our program, school and families the right way. “
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