Tennis teams will play in the Waco tournament February 20. Kerry Hand took over the coaching position after Cullen Holmes left last year.

“I feel really great about it and I’m excited,” Hand said. “It is definitely different, but I am looking forward to this season, and I really hope to accomplish a strong work ethic in our tennis players.”

Hand stepped down from the head coaching position this year. This is Hand’s first year ever coaching tennis.

“I made the decision to move to tennis this year in preparation for my son coming to high school next year,” Hand said. “I didn’t want to be on the softball field wanting to be watching my son play baseball so I think I made the right decision.” 

Senior Merrianne Markham will play her fourth year of tennis. She shares her thoughts on having a new coach.

“Coach Hand is actually really fun and she pushes us,” Markham said. “She always has different drills and we have never had a practice with more than one ball basket, and coach hand brings about eight every day!”

Markham played singles freshman and sophomore year and doubles junior year. She was going to play golf freshman year, but a friend convinced her to try tennis.

“I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but as it turned out, I really love playing,” Markham said. “Each year I just try really hard to improve, and especially on my serve.”

Sophomore Carl Markham, Merrianne’s brother, will play his second year of tennis. 

“My sister mostly inspired me to play, but also one of my favorite bands’ drummers plays tennis,” Carl Markham. “I just thought it looked cool because of him, so I wanted to give it a try.”

Sophomore Preston Patrick has been playing tennis since childhood and looks forward to this year. 

“I wanted to play tennis to take after my father because he played in high school,” Patrick said. “I grew up playing, so I think I will be ready for this season and what it has in store.”