- Senior Spotlight: Jack O'Koniewski

Jack O’Koniewski Hometown: Needham, Massachusetts College Commitment: Denison University   Originally from the Boston area, Jack and his family moved the academy over seven years ago so that he and his sister could get a high level of tennis training in a family style environment. A place that they would feel comfortable calling their new home. Over the years, everyone at the academy has watched Jack transform into the amazing young man he has become, someone so genuine and sincere. … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Samantha Russell

Samantha Russell Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia College Commitment: Wofford College   Samantha has been attending Smith Stearns on and off in the summers since she was ten years old. In sixth grade, her family decided to come for a year and that is when everyone really got to know what a wonderful kid she really was. Samantha took lessons with Billy and they both really enjoyed them. After moving back to Atlanta, Samantha trained at the academy in the summer before … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Jiri Honajzer

Jiri Honajzer Hometown: Zlin, Czech Republic College Commitment: New York University (NYU)   After a getting a recommendation to attend the academy from a former student, Jiri moved to Smith Stearns two years ago from the Czech Republic to better improve his tennis game and set himself up for an opportunity to attend a great U.S. college. During his time at the academy, Jiri has shown a great desire to succeed in both his tennis and academics. He is an … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Adam Cablik

Adam Cablik Hometown: Prague, Czech Republic College Commitment: University of New York in Prague   After battling a serious elbow injury, Adam decided to get back out on the court and come to the academy for his senior year after his good friend Jiri suggested the academy to him. He moved from the Czech Republic this past August and immediately had success in all of his tournaments. Adam has continued to show a lot of pure talent and a desire … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Carsten Fisher

  Carsten Fisher Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa College Commitment: University of Dayton   An academy member for the past 3 years, Carsten chose to come to Smith Stearns to be in a competitive training environment that would help him improve his game. He has since developed into a great tennis player while showing a lot of character both on and off the court. His engaging and upbeat personality is what sets him apart and makes him enjoyable for the … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Hampton Drake

Hampton Drake Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina College Commitment: Clemson University   Hampton has been a member of the academy for the past three years. He moved from Columbia to be in an environment with high level players and top coaches which would be more conducive to helping him become a better player. These factors combined with the hard work that Hampton has put in, proved to be a catalyst for him becoming one of the top players in the nation … read more

- Honajzer Commits to NYU

Jiri Honajzer has committed to play tennis for New York University (NYU) starting in the fall of 2014. Jiri moved to the academy two years ago from the Czech Republic and has shown a great desire to succeed in both his tennis and academics. He is an extremely hard worker and a very respectful and coachable student who is eager to learn. An aggressive all court player with a strong forehand, Jiri is sure to help NYU have success throughout … read more

- Eight Standout Seniors Make Early College Commitments

Smith Stearns would like to announce the early college commitments for eight students from our senior class. They are a fantastic group of kids who have worked so hard to achieve their goals of playing collegiate tennis and we are very proud of all of them. They come from diverse backgrounds and all have a special story of how they got to where they are today. Congratulations to all!       Hampton Drake  – Clemson University Hampton has committed … read more

- Students Selected to Southern Cup & Nike National Masters

Three Smith Stearns students were selected to play in the Southern Junior Cup which was held the past two weekends in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sara McClure (girls 12’s), Catie Meighan (girls 14’s), and Cameron Kriscunas (girls 16’s) represented their home state of South Carolina in the tournament. The Southern Cup is a team competition which selects the top 3 players from each state to compete against the other states in a dual match format which includes singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. … read more

- Students Dominate SC State Junior Open

      Over 25 Smith Stearns students participated in the SC Junior State Open, which was held from September 20-23 in Charleston, South Carolina. It was a successful weekend with our students winning a total of 4 singles titles including the boys 14-18’s title and the girls 18’s title.     Kyle Barr has his hands full in the boys 18’s division but fought hard each match and ultimately came out on top. He won his semifinals and final … read more