Photo contributed by Frances Mills Front row (l-r): Madison Kocher (soph.), Ellen Traylor (sen.), Caroline Stuckey (sen.), and Karson Kocher (7th). Back Row (l-r): Alexis Prickett (8th), Layna Plyler (fr.), Alexis Kocher (jun.), Rosanne Sullivan (soph.), Madeline Welsh (8th), and Head Coach Carol Fowles.

Hammond School's Varsity Girls' Tennis Coach Carol Fowles has a knack for developing a strong team. Teaching the fundamentals of tennis is only a part of her strategy. Fowles instills in her players an understanding of tennis that will benefit them for years to come.

"I have been involved with junior players for the past 30 years and see two types of tennis players; those who enjoy the sport for fun and exercise, and those who would like to play college tennis," she explained.

Reflecting on how the sport has changed during her years as a coach, Fowles depicted a time "when kids played tennis with their parents and friends at a public park." "Today," she said, "it has become so competitive that a player looking for a scholarship to college has to have their own personal coach and work out at least five days a week."

Her style of coaching instills a passion for the game that becomes a part of life rather than just a temporary challenge. "The good news is that tennis is a sport for a lifetime," she said.

Her lessons for the tennis team could be applicable in just about any situation:

1. Compete fairly but with intensity and respect for the opposing player; be an example of good sportsmanship on and off the courts;

2. Remember that it is only a game and should be fun as well as competitive;

3. Learn to work together as a team even though it's an individual sport.

Hammond's Varsity Girls' Tennis Team got off to a powerful start against Wilson Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, winning 4-2.

Alexis Prickett defeated Elizabeth Stevens 6-0, 6-0. Sydney Kline (WH) defeated Caroline Stuckey 6-7, 7-5, 7-5. Madison Kocher defeated Emily Campolong 6-0, 6-1. Alexis Kocher defeated Kelsey Campolong 6-3, 7-5. Madeline Welsh defeated Shannon Warlington 6-0, 6-1. Stefanie Cotton (WH) defeated Karson Kocher 6-4, 6-4.

Coach Fowles is impressed with the team's performance and anticipates an exciting year. "With four new players on the team this year, it should be a building year, but from the practices we have had so far, I realize our strength will not only be from the top three players, but the bottom half are so strong they will be the key to a winning season."

Hammond senior Caroline Stuckey, now entering her sixth year playing varsity tennis, has achieved a record of 34-10 over the past three years. As team captain playing second position, Stuckey will be a strong leader for her teammates.

Alexis Prickett, eighth grade, will play first position. Prickett is ranked no. 4 in the state and no. 49 in the south. Tenth grader Madison Kocher will play third position with an overall record of 36-5.

Co-captain and senior Ellen Traylor is entering her second year on the team.

Alexis Kocher, eleventh grade, is beginning her first year on the team. Rosanne Sullivan, tenth grade, is entering her second year. Layna Plyler, ninth grade, will be playing for her second year. Beth Cotter, tenth grade, will be playing her third year. Madeline Welsh, eighth grade, will be playing her first year. Karson Kocher, seventh grade, will be playing her first year on the team.

"It will be a very busy tennis season, and I hope to give playing time to all the players," Fowles said.

The 2005 record for Hammond's Varsity Girls' Tennis Team was an impressive 9 to 3, and they were regional champions in 2004.

This will be Fowles' fourth season coaching the Hammond Varsity Girls' Tennis Team, and she previously coached the boys' tennis team for four years as well.

Fowles was executive director for the SC Tennis Association; Southern ranking chairman; coached JTL (minor and major); USTA National Referee (Women's National Grass Court in Philadelpia); Southern Senior Cup; College matches; Belton Qualifying and State Jr. Closed; Sr. Closed tournaments, etc). Fowles also served as referee for an Andre Agassi exhibition match in Myrtle Beach.

For complete Hammond athletic schedules, visit www.hammondschool.org.