Coming off a 12–3 2009 season and a trip to the semifinals in the SCISA 3A state playoffs, Heathwood Hall’s “very, very young” tennis team will be looking past just trying to top last year’s numbers.

“We are going to be concentrating on tennis, sportsmanship, and academics, and not necessarily in that order,” said second– year coach Dick Anderson. “We are going to have some challenges.”

Anderson said he is looking to leadership provided by sophomore Elise McKelvy and ninth grade twins Norie and Katie Beach, whom he may be looking at putting together for doubles.

“That’s one of several scenarios that we are looking at right now,” he said. “We are a very, very young team, so there’s a lot of combinations to consider.”

The team has already faced Orangeburg Prep in the young season, losing a tough match 6–3.

“We were tied 3–3 coming out of the singles but then lost all three doubles matches,” Anderson said. “So obviously that’s an area we will be working on.”

Entering his second season leading the Highlanders, the veteran tennis coach has relished his role.

“I have enjoyed the challenge,” he said. “I really appreciate the loyalty of the staff and the players. This is a great place to work.”