In 2023, UCHS tennis barely had enough players to compete. This year, however, team effort and good coaching took them to the semifinals of the Division 1 Class A District Semifinal on May 2-3 at Pigeon Forge High School.
Third seed doubles team junior Jace Walker and senior Dalton Schreieck for Union County breezed past Pigeon Forge’s sixth seed Hutchison and Bohanan in the first round 8-4. Then Walker and Schreick eliminated Pigeon Forge’s #2 seed Naas and Lopez 8-6 to advance to the semifinal round to play the first seed doubles team from L&N Stem Academy.
Walker and Schreieck used their best strategy, but the more experienced L&N Team prevailed 8-3. L&N advanced to the regional tournament with a perfect season record of 9-0.
In singles, UCHS Sophomore Lathan Garner, #5, defeated #4 Corey McCarter of Pigeon Forge 8-5 in round one. Then Garner faced #1 seed Eli England from Claiborne in round two. England had never lost a match during his four years of high school. But Garner represented UCHS and did his best. England, a senior, won 8-0. Lathan finished the season with an impressive 11-3 and plans to play next year and better his record.
Head coach Mike Johnson and assistant coach Ella Johnson are proud of this team’s effort both on the court and in the classroom. The coaches gave a shout out to the three seniors who will be graduating—Evelyn Gentry, Janae Chapell and Dalton Schreieck.
The seniors have helped to rebuild the UCHS tennis program and to mentor the younger players. Both coaches are already promoting next year’s team.