Athletics
STATE CHAMPIONS!
Picture left to right: (Back Row) Coach Derek Lashley, Natalie Griffin, Abi Bossé-Joseph, Abby Gayle Moody, Mabry Tolbert, Kiya Reise, SaraKate Bullington, Yvonne Shannon, Coach Carl Hodge, (Front Row) Gabby Bossé-Joseph, Kennedi Jones, McKenzie Gleaton, Savannah Terrell (not pictured Eden Hill)
For the first time since joining the GHSA in 2010, the FPD Girls Tennis team took home the state championship trophy at Berry College, wrapping up an undefeated 18-0 season. “I knew we had a very good team, but I also knew we were in the toughest bracket,” says Head Coach Derek Lashley. “That meant we would have to beat the defending state champs and runner-ups in order to get to the Finals. I felt like if we could win these 2 matches, we could win the whole thing. We beat the defending runner-ups in a very fast 3-0 win, and after two rain delays and six hours later, we beat the defending state champs 3-2 and headed to the Finals.” Sophomore Natalie Griffin won the deciding match in the final game to clinch the state title. “It was one of the best feelings ever!” she exclaims. “The whole year our team has been incredibly amazing, and I could not have asked for a better group of teammates! Everyone worked hard no matter what. God has huge plans for all of the girls on the team, and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of the tennis family!” photos courtesy of Kirstin Israel
