Through the highs and lows, wins and losses, and thrillers and beatdowns of the regular season, the North Atlanta Girls Tennis team stayed true to their game. Ending with a regional record of 2-4, they put up a sufficient log of wins and losses to earn a spot in regional playoffs. While they may not appear to be a formidable opponent from the stats, the grit and heart of the team outshines the rest of the competition. A recent 4-1 win against Dunwoody secured a trip to the big dance for high school tennis: state playoffs. Now with one state win under the belt against Tift County, the girls will look to build on their momentum next Monday versus Lakeside-Evans High School.
Led by teacher Samantha Whitehead, in her first year as Varsity head coach, the girls had high expectations coming into 2024. The team is stacked with senior talent and leadership as players like Sydney Brantley, Samantha Fleming, Lauren Davis, Sophia Egoavil, and Jordan Jones served major roles throughout the season. Coach Whitehead voiced her immense support for this year’s veteran squad. “We owe it all to our seniors this year,” she said, “They’re absolutely making the best of their last ride on the court.”
Looking back at the 2024 season, Coach Whitehead’s first year was a tumultuous one, to say the least. In some cases, they looked like a super team but in others, they struggled to even win a line. Some major moments this season include huge wins against Riverwood and St Pius and disappointing losses against Westminster and Marist. However, now well into the playoffs, the struggles and successes of the past are trivial. The team is looking to make a deep run in the state tournament. “We may not have had the best regular season, but the mindset changes in the playoffs,” said junior Emma Maclean, “We’re playing a lot harder now to survive and advance.”
A win on Wednesday the 16th against Tift County put the girls one step further to achieving a legendary accomplishment: a state championship. It has been just 2 years since 2022 Girls Tennis won it all, a team similarly stacked with seniors. A ring this year would be a long shot, but nothing is impossible with the momentum they have now. At this point, the ladies are preparing for a second-round match-up versus Lakeside-Evans High School.
