The AMHS tennis team is one of the most slept-on sports at our school. Over the last four years, we have not lost to Bishop England, and we have made the second round of playoffs each year. This year our team consists of eight seniors and we are ready to (finally) beat Oceanside Collegiate Academy and wield the state championship trophy. Let me explain:

As a member of the AMHS tennis team, I can attest to the impressive history of our program. Over the past four years, we have consistently come out on top against our rival, Bishop England, and made it to the second round of playoffs each year. This season, with a strong roster, featuring numerous, new, talented freshmen, our goal is to bring home the state championship trophy and finally defeat Oceanside Collegiate Academy.

Returning seniors on the team include Walker Bauknight, Pierson Tran, Sean Khamnei, Chase Roberts, Jacob Minor, and Spence Cox. Although last season was a disappointment, with a second round playoff loss to Camden, Walker was unable to play due to injury; hence, we are more determined than ever to come back stronger this year with a full roster.

One of the biggest changes for our team this year is a new coach, Hewitt Strange. While we will miss our former coach, Bryce, who was beloved by all of us, he still plans to come to practice once a week to hit with the team. With Coach Strange at the helm, we are eager to continue growing and developing our skills. Strange has already shown the team his knowledgeable and serious, yet light-hearted personality. Pierson Tran in particular is “expecting to go very far with [the] current group of guys this season despite the coaching change.” 

Another exciting development for the tennis program at AMHS is the potential creation of a JV boys team. This would provide more opportunities for students to play and experience the sport they love, and also allow younger students to develop their skills for future varsity play. We believe that the creation of a JV boys team would greatly benefit the tennis program at AMHS and provide even more students with the opportunity to participate in the sport. I believe one or two more players are needed to secure this team, so if you’re interested in tennis, find the athletic director! 

Speaking of the tennis program at AMHS, let us take a moment to appreciate the history. 

Two years ago, Cameron Dawson, a now-graduate of Magnet, wrote this article, which was meant to review the beginning of the 2021 season. To say the least, we have come a long way. Two years ago we were wearing masks during water breaks, and only practicing two days a week. As a part of Coach Strange’s new program, we are practicing four days a week, Monday through Thursday, something of which I have not seen before at Magnet. Although it can be said that many tennis players have a home club or clinic at which they play, the four days a week practice is good for those (often seniors) who no longer participate in these clinics and need as much practice as possible. The quad-weekly practices also contribute to the growing comradery of AMHS tennis. 

Five years ago, when the team was coached by Mr. Percy, the world-renowned math teacher, a state title was achieved. The article from the Post and Courier can be found here. The team was led by Sam Kavarana, who went on to play tennis at Davidson, and Earl Navarro, who went to college at Duke. When I was in eighth grade, I actually played against this team while I played for Philip Simmons High School; to say the least, this was a killer team. There is no surprise that they won the state title against St. Joseph’s. Hopefully, our current team can achieve the same feat as these Raptors.