"Building Winners On and Off the Court"

August 2006 - Hillcrest Girls Varsity Tennis Preview

 The 2006 version of the Girls Varsity Tennis team looks to be the strongest from top to bottom in the last decade at the Hill. Leading the way for the Hawks is returning state qualifier and team captain Ivy Pierce. Pierce, a senior and a three year varsity player, will be teamed at first doubles with senior Kasmer Quinn. Quinn’s aggressive style and strong net play will complement well Pierce’s finesse game and use of angles.

 The singles positions will be the stronger this season with junior Clarrie Johnson moving into the number one slot from number two and junior Alecia Jenkins playing at number two, moving up from third doubles. Both played at the varsity level as sophomores last year and have worked hard this off-season with Johnson has achieving USTA ranking this past summer. Johnson’s strong all-court game and Jenkin’s hustle and never-say-die attitude on every point will serve both well this season. Together they can elevate Hillcrest singles play to a place it hasn’t been to in a long time. Other players looking to step up in singles play are Chanell Pickett and Stephanie Stallworth, both seniors looking to contribute to a strong Hawks season.

 The doubles combo of senior Lynette Weeks and junior Rauneisha Maxwell appears to be the early favorite at second doubles. Weeks’ serve as developed into a reliable weapon while Maxwell possess the team’s best hands at the net. Returning seniors Habiba Mohammed and Joyce Parker along with newcomers senior Esteen Williams and juniors Niquela Corbett-Elmore and Caroline Homere will also be competing for doubles positions to round out the starting line-up.

 The last two seasons the Hawks have gone 12-5 (2004) and 11-6 (2205) while having state qualifiers in doubles both years. The team’s goal for the season is to improve on both counts, and with hard work and dedication to the program, this can be achieved.

 The future of Hawk tennis also looks bright because of the strong foundation being laid by coach Joe Kintz’s Frosh-Soph team. The doubles team of sisters Kiah and Joi Henry is already a strong chemistry and should fare well this season. Sophomore newcomer Laquela Goins as advanced well through summer camp and is slated for a singles position. Returning sophomores Regina Scruggs, Alexis Smith, and Joy Otabor should bring a stability to the squad while the influx of seven freshmen bodes well for the future strength of the program.

Coach Chris Hennessy

Day

Shepard