When the Kentucky High School State Tennis Tournament begins Tuesday morning in Lexington, Heritage Christian Academy eighth grader Stephen Whitecotton will be there as the lone Hopkinsville representative in the event.
Whitecotton is the first HCA tennis player to advance to the state tournament. And he did that this year, despite being only one of two players in uniform for the Warriors.
HCA Athletics Director Matt McGowan often would have to contact teams who were playing other local teams, to see if they would also set up a singles match with Whitecotton.
That experience paid off for the HCA star, who finished fourth in the Region 2 tournament. He said he has seen improvement in his game as the season progressed.
Whitecotton, who is coached by his father, Robert, also has been taking lessons with former Christian County tennis coach Garnet Scott, who says he sees a lot of potential in the Warriors’ star.
Whitecotton said he didn’t feel any pressure on being the first HCA player to advance to the state tennis tournament.
Whitecotton said he would like to win at least one match this week and learn lessons he can use to improve his game for next season.
Whitecotton is scheduled to play Nathaniel Hill of Corbin in the first round on Tuesday. The match will begin at 8 a.m. at the Sayre Sports Complex.
Photos by Joe Wilson