Women’s tennis team would love to continue winning ways

Members of the 2013 Reynolds women's tennis team include (front, from left) Sarah Templeton, Juliana Costa and Erin Wheeler; (middle, from left) India Pearson, Anne Hayden Wray, Christina Woodard and Maggy Terry; and (back, from left) Jana Klages-Miller, Cory Spencer, coach Johnny Highsmith, Karida Giddings and Anna Phillips. PHOTO BY AMY WALLDORF/PINE WHISPERS — Members of the 2013 Reynolds women’s tennis team include (front, from left) Sarah Templeton, Juliana Costa and Erin Wheeler; (middle, from left) India Pearson, Anne Hayden Wray, Christina Woodard and Maggy Terry; and (back, from left) Jana Klages-Miller, Cory Spencer, coach Johnny Highsmith, Karida Giddings and Anna Phillips. PHOTO BY AMY WALLDORF/PINE WHISPERS

By Hannah Rice, Staff Writer

Even with a new head coach and missing star player, there is no doubt that the Reynold’s women’s tennis team was set and ready to go this season. After winning the Central Piedmont Conference and making it to the third round of the 4-A state playoffs last year, the pressure has been on for another stellar season.

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Coach Johnny Highsmith replaced his son, A.J. Highsmith, as head coach this year. The new coach’s hopes for this season were made very clear: win the conference and contend for a state championship.

“It’s RJR tradition,” he said.

To achieve these goals, the team will have to overcome a few obstacles, primarily the loss of Chloe Willetts, who now plays Division I tennis at Louisville. The Demons have a winning record overall and have lost twice so far in the CPC, with Highsmith saying Reagan is going to be the team to beat this season.

“Reagan has a lot of experience. Nearly all of their players are seniors,” Highsmith said. “But we’re not overlooking anybody.”

In order to accomplish their lofty goals, Reynolds’ players will “become tactically better, improve technique, and play smart,” Highsmith said.

Captains for this year’s team are senior Christina Woodard and juniors Cory Spencer and Jana Klages-Miller.

“They are all natural-born leaders,” Highsmith said. “All the other girls should and do aspire to be like them.”

Prior to coaching at Reynolds, Highsmith coached AAU basketball for more than 20 years. He also played competitively in local tennis tournaments for 25 years, giving him a lot of experience with the game of tennis and also coaching.

When asked why he chose to coach the women’s tennis team this year, Highsmith could not have responded with more enthusiasm:

“Being offered a chance to be a part of the Reynolds family? You have no idea how exciting that is,” he said. “I was thrilled.”