The Villages Tennis Team had more than one reason to celebrate this week. The team is having a historic season, having now tied the program’s record for most wins in a season with 12 victories. Their 7-0 win against Umatilla High School this week marked another milestone in their successful journey.

“I am so proud of this team. The girls have worked incredibly hard, and it’s paying off,” says first-year head coach Kelly Hill. “I couldn’t ask for a better group, especially in my first year as head coach.” Coach Hill, who works as a 3rd-grade teacher in The Villages, played tennis in high school and took over as head coach when the position became available.

This group of seniors and players also made history as the first Girls Tennis team to celebrate a senior night at the brand new Tennis complex. The Tennis Complex at The Villages Charter High School is amazing. The courts and the facility are top notch as they are brand new as is the entire Charter High School for The Villages which moved about 30 minutes south from the old school which is in the process of becoming renovated to become the North Villages Middle School Campus.

(In the photo, from left to right: Coach Kelly, Ava Logan, Morgan Chandler, Lexi Farkus, Katie Ortengren, Avery Raulerson, Makenzie Rees, Coach Bob. Front row, from left to right: Peyton Ressler, Sarah Simmons, Erika Brandner, Rayleigh Pounds, Payton Gardner, Ellen Brooks, Angie Nguyen, Amelia Goller. Not pictured: Hannah Campbell, Lexi Scholl, and Annie Chandler.)

“I’ve always had a passion for tennis. When the coaching opportunity arose, I interviewed with our athletic director, Richard Pettus, who gave me this chance. I’m incredibly grateful,” says Hill. The Villages tennis program has flourished this year, and they have a chance to make history tonight at Tavares High School. We wish them the best of luck.