Seth Rayman, social studies teacher at Hardin Valley Academy, has been at HVA since it opened in 2008. He is also the tennis coach which is where this remarkable story begins. Hardin Valley Tennis Hawks’ greatest season in the 15 years of the program just completed with one of the youngest teams in its history as well, composed of mostly lower classmen.
The 2023 HVA Tennis Hawks are on a 19-match winning streak, going undefeated in the district and setting a school record, currently 20-1 overall. Key championships came with a District 4-AA win over Farragut after being down 0-3 before winning 5-4, and winning the Regional 2-AA Championship over West 4-1. The team next faces Science Hill on Thursday, May 18, in the sectional in their bid for a spot in the state championship.
Coach Rayman said of his team, “We’ve put in a lot of work and effort. It’s pretty incredible to see what they all have been doing. They’ve been a bright light and a positive feel good for our school and community that folks have rallied behind.”
The HVA cheer team provided a positive feel good by coordinating a surprise pep rally in the school’s atrium celebrating the historic season before the team competed in the regional championship. Coach told the team they were going to walk to the office to turn in the championship trophy, but that was the cover story so when they got to the atrium, there was a huge banner and cheering.
Hardin Valley Academy cheer ceam and Hawks tennis team at surprise pep rally for tennis team
Individual accolades also go to Ryan Leckrone who won the District Singles 4-AA Tournament and will be playing in the regional championship with a chance to go to state tournament. Ryan says of his season, “This is the best season I could’ve asked for. I couldn’t be prouder of this team and what we’ve accomplished and we are ready to run it back next year.”
Regardless of the outcome for the rest of this year, next year is one to watch as once again this team is ready to break records and go the distance so watch for news on these HVA Tennis Hawks.
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