YOUNG ARDREY KELL TENNIS TEAM IS THRIVING

The lack of a senior class can be a tough obstacle for high school teams. Ardrey Kell High School, in its first year of existence is battling hard in every sport to overcome that obstacle.  One team in particular, ladies tennis has bulldozed their way right through the barrier and instantly become one of the top teams in the area.  Head Coach Roy Hudson led his young netters to a 9-1 start in the first half of the season.

Led by top seed Christina Calott, the Knights are playing strong tennis both at home on the new Ardrey Kell tennis courts and away.  Calott, a junior is one of the top tennis players in the region and recently won the Concord Tennis Association Junior Open 18’s Division.

Ardrey Kell Knights Lady Tennis players gather around the net. From Left-Right: Corinne Proudfoot, freshman, Erica Lucas, junior, Tara Suess, freshman, Elleana Goldman, junior, Christine Calott, junior

Number two seed Mary Stewart Hitch has been a key part of The Knight’s success playing strong in singles and doubles.  Marie Fierro, currently the number six seed began the year seeded 19th and has worked her way up the ladder, showing great promise.

Coach Hudson has returned to coaching high school tennis after a decade and a half break.  Hudson had success at West Charlotte High School in the early 90’s.  In addition to coaching the Lady Knights, Hudson teaches Pre-Engineering at Ardrey Kell.

“Our entire team has played well this year,” said Hudson. “We practice five days a week and the team has come together really fast.  We have a great group of young ladies playing for us.”

Christina Calott spoke on the new experience of playing for Ardrey Kell High School.

“This experience has allowed for a lot of new friendships and leadership opportunities. Coming into the season, a lot of people didn’t realize how deep of a team we had. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Christina has been playing tennis since the age of six.  She recently competed in the United States Tennis Association Southern Section Junior Team Tennis Championship in Mobile, AL for Charlotte’s U-18 Team. Christina is a very talented right handed player.  Last season, while playing for Providence High School, Christina advanced to the semifinals of the North Carolina High School State Tournament in doubles.

While some of the Ardrey Kell teams struggle with depth and inexperience in year one, the ladies tennis team is challenging for a conference championship.  Good Luck to these young ladies the remainder of the season..