Suwannee Tennis brings back eight seniors to both girls and boys teams this year. Coming off of a girl’s district championship and a boy’s runner-up in 2009, and a 16-1 season record, Suwannee has a great chance of entering into post-play again this season.

For the girls, returning to the number one position is senior standout, Sydnie Sine. Sydnie was undefeated in the regular season last year at number two and went on the play at the state tennis tournament. Sydnie was named to the Gainesville Sun all area team in 2009, as well as, the Florida Times Union tennis team. Sydnie is a strong player and brings a lot of depth to the girls team this year. Playing at number two is returner, senior Katherine Haney. Katherine has improved her game so much this year and Suwannee will be looking to Katherine for some very important matches at the number two singles and number one doubles positions. Number three for Suwannee is senior returner, Mary Beth Finch. Mary Beth is a solid player that is very serious about her game and is determined to bring home another district championship for Suwannee. Mary Beth will play with Lindsey Garland in number two doubles this year. Number four is being played by sophomore Garland. Lindsey was on the team last year, but didn’t see much playing time, but this year will change all of that. Lindsey is a talented tennis player that will definitely help Suwannee, not only in singles, but in doubles, as well. Number five is junior returner, Ashton Bracewell. Ashton is a strong tennis player that will bring experience to the number five position that will assist Suwannee throughout the season.

Suwannee girls bring three new faces to the team: sophomore Laura-Kaitlyn Boatright, freshman Taylor Henderson and Lindsey Brothers. These girls will add depth to the team this year and will play every opportunity presented to gain experience for the coming years.



Suwannee Boy’s return in the # 1 position,

Senior Justin Garland is a four-year starter for Suwannee and has always played an important part in the success of Suwannee tennis. Justin will also be playing the number one doubles team with T.J. Vickers. Number two is senior Jabe Weaver. Jabe is returning with two years experience and brings a lot of depth and wisdom to this team. Jabe will also be assisting in the number two doubles position. Number three is senior Tyler Hadden. Tyler is a two-year starter and brings much enthusiasm to Suwannee tennis. Tyler is an awesome player and it is always exciting to watch Tyler play tennis. Number four is senior Marshall Boggus. Marshall is a natural athlete who brings so much to the boys team. His desire to win was demonstrated in a clutch match victory against rival, Rickards High, yesterday. Boggus will also team up with Weaver in the number two doubles team this year. Number five this year will be senior T.J. Vickers. T.J. is a two-year returner who brings leadership, as well as, talent, to this team. T.J. is an asset to the number five position, as well as the number one doubles partner with Justin Garland.

New on the boys team this year are sophomores Rhett Barker and Drew Land and freshman Zachary Wiggins. These young men will definitely play a huge part in rebuilding this team as we will lose five senior boys from our team at the end of this season. I look for these boys to play as much as possible to gain experience to move into starting positions next season.

Coaching the varsity boys and girls tennis at SHS this year is Kim Boatright. Although Boatright is new as the head coach at SHS, she is definitely not new to Suwannee County, coaching or tennis. Boatright has been involved in the tennis program at SHS for the past four years as her son, John-Walt, played in the number one position all four years. Coach Boatright has been teaching and coaching a variety of sports in Suwannee County for over 30 years.

Playing on the first softball team at SHS her senior year in 1976, Boatright received a scholarship to play both volleyball and softball at Lake City Community College in the fall of 1976. Following two state championships in softball at LCCC, Boatright traveled to Florida State University to play softball where FSU won two more state championships in 1979 and 1980. Following graduation at FSU, Boatright returned to SHS where she began teaching physical education and coaching varsity softball at Suwannee High School. Boatright returned to FSU in the fall of 1985 to obtain a master's degree in physical education administration/curriculum. While obtaining her degree, Boatright was hired at Maclay School to coach softball and won another state championship in 1986.

Boatright has been teaching in Suwannee County Schools for 28 years and has enjoyed coaching soccer and softball, refereeing volleyball and excited to have the opportunity to coach this fine group of tennis players at Suwannee High School.

“I have never worked with such a great group of players and parents as I have worked with this year while coaching SMS girls soccer and SHS tennis,” says Boatright.

Boatright looks forward to many more successful years of coaching before retiring.