Clay County Boys Tennis Head Coach Tasha Bailey is learning about tennis every day.
Bailey is in her third year as Clay County tennis head coach. Bailey, originally a math teacher, said she did not envision herself coaching when she first joined the Clay County staff. Bailey said the rules in tennis were hard to keep up with initially.
“The rules in tennis are a little more complicated, I think, than other sports,” Bailey said. “Just the way you keep score and it’s, we traditionally don’t, never had tennis as a sport, I mean, we have in the past, but it’s not something that’s been consistent.”
Clay County now fields both boys and girls tennis teams. Bailey currently coaches both teams. Bailey said learning the sport has been very interesting.
“As I coach and maybe I learn about the sport myself, maybe [I would just like to] relaying just better techniques, instilling a better love for the game, that sort of thing,” Bailey said. “Having them see, you know, that tennis can be a fun sport also.”
Bailey said the boys team has come so far since her very first practice.
“I think Roman [Briggs] especially has developed in his technique so much since that first season I took over,” Bailey said. “Cooper Bailey, same for him. He’s really developed.”
Both Roman Briggs and Cooper Bailey make up two of the seniors on Clay County’s team. Tasha said Cooper, her son, has his own technique he uses for forehand and backhand. Tasha said playing experience has been eye opening for her and the team.
Clay County concluded their regular season Tuesday against Van Buren.
