- Armistead, Crowley and Tracy Win Gold Balls at 2016 USTA Winter Nationals

Students of Smith-Stearns Tennis Academy brought home five top-3 finishes including three championships at the 2016 USTA Winter Nationals held in Arizona. When measuring success in the ranks of elite American junior tennis, the hallmark is the coveted Gold Ball a small but important trophy afforded the champions at USTA Super National events. Every year after Christmas and going into the New Year the top American juniors converge in Arizona for the USTA Winter Nationals. The final day of this … read more

- Singh Makes Final of Metropolia Orange Bowl, Semi’s Eddie Herr

Smith-Stearns Tennis Academy student, Vikash Singh, made history at this year’s Metropolia Orange Bowl and Eddie Herr–the two most prestigious 16 & under tournaments in the world.    Vikash Singh has spent the last two years of his life residing on Hilton Head Island training at Smith Stearns Tennis Academy and studying at Heritage Academy where he is a junior with a 4.7 GPA. Hailing from Kolkata, India the 16-year old has gone over a year without seeing his family, … read more

- Smith Stearns Mental Conditioning #ShapeUp

Last month’s mental game theme (#SettleIn) set the stage for creating a relaxed body and settled mind to maximize performance. Owning and consistently mastering skills to reduce tension under stress lays the foundation for the mind and body to perform in an athletic manner. With reduced physical tension, the mind can sharpen and effectively settle into a present-minded approach. An athlete performing in the moment often describes their tennis as free, clear and nearly effortless. This feeling arises when the … read more

- Smith Stearns Mental Conditioning #SettleIn

#SettleIn   The mind-body connection is a critical component to success on and off the tennis court. From a physical perspective, a settled body allows for free-flowing, explosive movement and consistent strokes to emerge. Low tension levels throughout the body also lays the foundation for a settled and keenly focused mind. Being aware of physical tension and developing skills to reduce it when required are key factors for maximizing performance. Having the abiity to settle in effectively is the first … read more

- Smith Stearns Mental Conditioning – #competeWITH

  Compete /kəmˈpiːt/ Word Origin C17: from Late Latin competere to strive together, from Latin: to meet, come together, agree, from com- together + petere to seek (Source – dictionary.com)   The greatest competitors understand that performance is not a solitary endeavor. It takes a team (including great opponents) to guide, support, challenge and motivate an athlete throughout a season and career. At Smith Stearns Tennis Academy, we encourage our student-athletes to repeatedly test personal limits and stretch comfort zones. Great opponents play an integral role in this process by producing the competitive emotion which encourages individuals to consistently strive for … read more

- Sport Parent Guidance

  Competitive sport is a great way for young men and women to learn about themselves and build skills that will assist them on and off the playing field. Sports can build confidence and self-esteem through discipline, respect, hard work, and by learning to manage stress. This process comes to fruition under the watchful eye of many people in a student-athlete’s support system – none more integral than the family who surrounds them. The support system plays a crucial role … read more

- Smith Stearns Honors 11 Seniors at Senior Graduation Ceremony

Smith Stearns would like to announce the college commitments of eleven of our students who were honored at our Senior Graduation Ceremony in May. This is a fantastic senior class comprised of students from diverse backgrounds. They are all unique and have a special story of how they got to achieve their goals of playing college tennis. We are very proud of all of them and wish them nothing but the very best in their future collegiate career!     … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Kyle Barr

Kyle Barr Hometown: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina College Commitment: Wofford College   Kyle has been a member of the academy for the past two and half year years. He moved from Myrtle Beach to to be a part of a family environment with high quality coaches and players that was conducive to his development. During his time here, Kyle has become one of the most driven, hardworking, and competitive students we have had. He is always looking for ways to … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Mary Hampton McNeal

Mary Hampton McNeal Hometown: Beaufort, South Carolina College Commitment: Washington & Lee University   Mary Hampton began her tennis career with her dad and older sister Morgan on the tennis court in their backyard. What started off as a family pastime quickly became a passion for both girls as they quickly realized they would like to pursue tennis on a competitive level. The girls started at the academy over four years ago when Mary Hampton was in the eighth grade. … read more