El Dorado tennis coach Rex Hayes said he’s excited about taking over the program, which returns some key players and welcomes some new additions. Hayes said the competition during the preseason could mean good things for the season.
“The top two boys and girls’ singles players are returning and playing very well,” said Hayes, who praised the competitive nature of his troops.
“Particularly Hannah Gatson, Kevin Beeman, Chase McHenry, any time we're practicing they take quick water breaks and are trying to practice serves or backhands in between drills. You can tell they want to improve and would be out there for as long as I let them.”
El Dorado’s boys’ varsity lineup includes No. 1 and 2 singles, Baylor Blackburn and Wenhua Huang, respectively. Addison Dumas and Hunter Lawrence are working at No. 1 doubles with Levi Shaffer and LaMario Island at the No. 2 doubles spot.
Kevin Beeman, Chase McHenry, Carmelo Brown and Clayton Sewell round out the singles at Nos. 3-6, respectively.
For the Lady Wildcats, Kasynn Neely and Millie Mobley hold down the No. 1 and 2 singles, respectively. Lynley Smith and Caroline Byrd took the No. 1 doubles with Addison Lange and Ava Clark at No. 2 doubles.
Rounding out the team will be Lilly Thomas, Hannah Gatson, Macy Moree, Kendall Ricker and Jayden Smith at Nos. 3-7 singles, respectively, along with Solange James and Kaleigh Nale.
“Like I said, I feel that the top two singles on both teams will be back and forth all year,” said Hayes. “Wenhua has been playing a ton as has Baylor. Kasynn and Millie are both great players. Our JV team also has some sleepers that I expect to make jumps over to varsity periodically. Lilly Thomas is getting in the groove and could definitely compete if she continues at the current rate.”
Of the newcomers, Hayes highlighted, “Carmelo Brown for picking up a racquet for the first time. I hope he continues to play. He's quick to chase every ball and once his technique develops, I think he'll be a great player.”
As for season goals, Hayes would like his players to be productive on and off the court.
“The goals for my team are to play their best with a good attitude, win or lose,” he said. “Obviously, conference and state competitions are exciting, but ultimately if the athletes are improving and enjoying the game, then it's a win for me.”
El Dorado is scheduled to open the tennis season Tuesday at Lake Hamilton.