Varsity Tennis Season Closes, Ledford Advances to States

Jack Ledford '18, the Chargers number 1 player on the boys tennis team, advances to the FHSAA State finals championships on April 30th at Sanlando Park near Orlando. Ledford led the Chargers all season at the number 1 singles and doubles position. His road to the District finals was full of surprises as he easily beat his quarterfinal opponent from Sarasota Christian School, 6-1,6-1. His semifinal round was a tough one against an opponent that had beaten him earlier in the season, Max D of St. Stephens Episcopal School in Sarasota. The first set of the semifinal round went to a tie breaker with both boys playing phenomenal tennis. Jack made excellent decisions on the court and played a masterful tie break winning 7-6(5) and the second set 6-3. The second surprise came when Jack's opponent in the finals Josh S from ODA, could not play because of an injury. Jack had beaten Josh last year twice but lost to him in the semifinals at districts last year. They did not play each other this year. Jack's game has improved over the past three years largely due to his commitment to improving and his hard work with private coaches throughout the year.

Both boys doubles teams, as well as four of the five singles positions, advanced to the semifinal rounds, another first for the Chargers. This is early evidence that our program and the system we have in place is beginning to make a difference. Special “Thank Yous” go out to assistant coach Tommy Del Zoppo for joining the coaching team and helping to make a difference, as well as the volunteers who worked so hard in helping the team host a great District Tournament, Corrie Stover, Kristen Danielson, Mary Bryant, Kim Levine and Katie Healy. We couldn’t have done this without you!

On the girls side, hard work also paid off! Girls number 3 singles player Wynn Bryant '20 advanced to the final beating Bradenton Christian in the quarters and ODA in the semifinals before losing to the Charger nemesis, St. Stephens in the finals, 2-6,0-6. Wynn has worked so hard this season – she’s played USTA tournaments and showed her commitment to improving in order to compete at a high level. Girls number 4 player Sofia Marston '21 also had a strong tournament before losing in the semifinals to St. Stephens. The girls number 1 doubles team of Melanie Friedman '18 and Bella Rawson '19 beat Sarasota Christian in the quarterfinals before losing to ODA in the semifinals. The girls number 2 doubles team of Wynn and Sofia beat St. Pete Catholic and Cardinal Mooney en route to the finals where they lost to St. Stephens 6-3, 6-2.

We are beginning to see many positives developing in our program and this year was one of the most solid showing of our girls tennis at districts that we have had. We are on the right track and the players are beginning to understand that tennis is not a seasonal sport. You have to train and compete year round to play at a high level.

Great Season, Chargers!