After a historic 2023 season for North Atlanta varsity tennis, the expectations for 2024 couldn’t be higher. For the boys, a state-wide final-four appearance in 2023 was their largest playoff run in years, with the help of returning players and new young talent, they look to make an even more impressive showing. The girls enter the season playoff hopeful, looking to build on their regional dominance over the past few years. Although coaches Mike Hutchings and Sarah Rhodes moved on from North Atlanta following last season, new faces in the tennis department are prepared to take on a larger role. With the season beginning in February, NAHS Tennis is hyped to start another year of grind and greatness on the courts.
Following a dramatic offseason, the boy’s team is ready to get back to work with old and new faces alike. Among the changes, a rookie is taking on singles, arguably the most important line of a tennis meet. Simon Hayal, the 14-year-old prodigy boasting a 9.5 UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) is assuming his position as top dog. However, the biggest development over the course of the year was the retirement of beloved coach Mike Hutchings, who had valiantly run the team for the majority of his tenure at North Atlanta. Following such an admired leader is a difficult task but the heir to the throne, Coach Phillipe Dackey, is ready to take on the challenge. “As a former high school player myself, I’m ready to teach these boys all I have to know about the sport,” said Dackey, “Hopefully we will win some meets along the way.”
After their legendary 2022 state championship run, the girl’s varsity team has yet to return to such former glory. Led by senior singles player Sidney Brantley, the team is hoping to make a similar playoff run this upcoming season. However, just like the boys, a new coach will be stepping in to pilot the ship that will hopefully need to state glory. Ms. Whitehead, a science teacher here at North Atlanta has been coaching JV for the past couple of years and was part of the 2022 team that won it all. Whitehead is prepared to take on the heavy responsibility of managing a varsity team. “Moving from JV to Varsity will be a big step, however, I’m ready to embrace the challenge,” said Whitehead, “We have a good group of girls here that can definitely make a statement in the playoffs.”
When the season begins in February, the trials and tribulations of the offseason will no longer matter. The only thing on the mind of girls and boys varsity tennis is getting their team as far as possible in the playoffs. However, regardless of the result of the season, NAHS Tennis is excited to be back on the courts.
