- Senior Spotlight: Charlie Drake

Hometown: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina College Commitment: Stevens Institute of Technology   Charlie came to the academy two years ago looking for great coaching, good players to play against, and the opportunity to be in a positive situation that would be conducive to his development as a player. He got what he was looking for, however, the changing moment in Charlie’s tennis career came when BJ showed belief in him and what he could achieve, before he even believed … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Kelly Dodd

Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut College Commitment: Villanova University   Kelly came to the academy and moved into housing four years ago to pursue her tennis in a much warmer environment than what she was used to. Coming from Greenwich it was nice for her to see the sunshine and play outside in the winter months. From day one, Kelly’s personality matched that of the weather as she was always so warm and outgoing to everyone. She was our ray of sunshine … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Hayley Carter

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina College Commitment: University of North Carolina   Hayley came to Smith Stearns as a talented ten year old player looking to see what the tennis world had in store for her.  After visiting for a month in the summer at a recommendation from one of her closest friends, she fell in love with the academy and her family decided to make Hilton Head their new home. After seven years, Hayley will be leaving us but will … read more

- Senior Spotlight: Colby Burke

Hometown: Winchester, Massachusetts College Commitment: Bucknell University   The first time Colby played tennis at Smith Stearns was during the summer when he was just 8 years old. We have been fortunate to watch Colby grow up over the years into a fine young man that is sure to succeed in all areas to his life. Colby credits the coaches for pushing him to work hard every day, as that is a quality he will take with him for the … read more

- Former Students Shine at ITA National Team Indoors

The final of the 2013 ITA National Indoor Championships held in Charlottesville, Virginia on February 11th was surely one to remember. The University of North Carolina and UCLA fought it out until the end, with the championship ultimately decided by just two points in the third set tiebreaker of a match between UNC’s Whitney Kay and UCLA’s Pamela Montez.   UNC’s Kay, a freshman and a former student at Smith Stearns clinched the victory with a forehand winner to take … read more

- Fall 2012 College Signing Day

We are proud to announce the college commitments of eight of our seniors who participated in the early signing period.   Andrew Schafer – University of South Carolina Juan Sheppard – Furman University Jimmy Lange – George Mason University Kelly Dodd – Villanova University Hayley Carter – University of North Carolina Christian Harris – Clemson University Barbara Rodriguez – Boston University Matthew Bishop – Xavier University   We know that all of their hard work over the years has paid off … read more

- Austin Powell

Austin Powell, Class of 2011 Scholarship to NC State November 19, 2010 — Austin has been a member of the academy for the last three years. He moved from Muscle Shoals, Alabama to be a part of a family environment with high quality coaches and players that was conducive to his development. Austin found a second family for himself and the coaches at the academy found the same in Austin. He has experienced great success on the tennis court, but … read more

- Molly O’Koniewski

Molly O’Koniewski, Class of 2011 Full Scholarship to UVA November 14, 2010 — One of the longest attending students at the academy, Molly relocated from the Boston area to attend Smith Stearns almost four years ago. Molly and her family chose to come to the academy because they immediately felt at home and were impressed with how all the coaches got to know her and her game so quickly. Molly feels very fortunate to be able to train with such … read more