A unique opportunity was presented to Regina Hudson way back in 2004. At the time, Hudson was ready to begin her first year teaching in Hartselle and as a lot of teachers do, she was awaiting an opportunity to get involved with athletics.

As fate would have it, the Hartselle tennis program was looking for new leadership and Hudson was offered the chance to become the team’s next head coach. Despite having never played the sport at the high school level, Hudson accepted the position and began studying and learning the ins and outs of the game.

“It all just kind of worked out,” Hudson said. “They needed someone to coach the tennis team and I was new, so I took the job. My husband and I have stayed with it ever since.”

“Stayed with it” is a modest way of saying that under Hudson, the Tigers have enjoyed immense success. During her tenure, players have went on to play collegiately at Faulkner University, Huntingdon College, and Snead State Community College among others.

Now a 14-year veteran of the program, Hudson is ready to see both the boys and girls squads take the next step in 2018. The girls team has opened the season on fire, sweeping teams such as Russellville and St. John Paul II, while also taking its first two section matches of the season. The boys team has picked up some early season victories as well, but are looking for more consistency throughout the lineup.

“The rest of our season will consist of us focusing on the section matches we have ahead of us,” Hudson said. “A lot of our early season matches we have played have just been about seeing where we are and getting prepared for the section matches down the stretch. We are still trying to figure out what lineups to use for doubles and how to adjust to coaching the kids who are new, but we are looking forward to these coming matches where we can hopefully see some progress.”

2018 Hartselle Tennis Rosters

VARSITY

BOYS

1. Paxton Preuitt (Sr)
2. Seth McKee (Soph)
3. Austin Taylor (Jr)
4. Triston Smith (Soph)
5. Connor Hughes (8th)
6. Mark Cera (Soph)
7. Eli Terry (8th)

GIRLS

1. Caroline Jones (Jr)
2. Sydney Pham (Soph)
3. Kenzie Hamlett (Soph)
4. Macie Cagle (Soph)
5. Emory Carnes (8th)
6. McKenna Wright (Soph)
7. Alia Wright (8th)

JUNIOR VARSITY

BOYS

1. Jonathan Carnes
2. Hudson Harden
3. Avery Balch
4. Logan Crouch
5. Carson Rollins
6. Cade Pressley
7. Spencer Ambrose
8. Ryan Aymett
9. Kooper Rooks

GIRLS

1. Kenzie Barnett
2. Claire Alford
3. Reagan Watson