Dragons’ tennis teams building momentum behind veteran core
Kyleigh Gallaher and tandem partner Josie Moody have wins in matches against Gibbs and Powell in the start of the 2025 season. (photo:Tony Cox )
One of the biggest is that, for the first time in her tenure, she has a full boys’ roster.
The Dragons (2-2) have claimed two wins by forfeit, as Powell doesn’t have a boys’ team this year and Knoxville Central has just one player. But in actual competition, Clinton’s top player, Jack Wilson, picked up a victory in a match against Central on March 3.
“I’m excited because we have seven boys, and this is the first time I’ve had a full team since I’ve been here,” Cunningham said. “We don’t have to forfeit anywhere.”
Clinton dropped 9-0 decisions to William Blount and Knoxville West, but Cunningham wasn’t discouraged. The Governors and the Rebels are among the top programs in the area.
“We lost to West and William Blount, but those teams are the best in our district,” Cunningham said. “They’re just amazing.”
The Dragons have three returning players on the boys’ side, including seniors Wilson and Keaton Cook and junior Josiah Shelton.
They’re joined by a group of young, athletic newcomers: sophomores Beau Mauri and Hudson Edenfield, and freshmen Keenan Hoskins and Jesus Tovar.
“Our newcomers are all young and athletic, and once they learn more, they should be good,” Cunningham said. “We’ll have high expectations.”
The Lady Dragons are off to a 1-3 start, with their lone victory coming in a 5-4 win over Powell on March 24. They’ve lost to Gibbs (5-4), West (8-1), and William Blount (8-1).
Clinton was without No. 1 singles player Josie Moody against the Lady Eagles due to injury.
Against Gibbs, Izzy Woods and Molly Buchanan earned singles wins. In doubles, Moody returned to action and teamed with Kyleigh Gallaher to win at No. 1, while Woods and Leah Hernandez also claimed a doubles victory.
In the win over Powell, Clinton got singles wins from Moody, Buchanan and Addie Haney. In doubles play, Moody and Gallaher, along with Woods and Hernandez, both picked up wins.
Key returners for the Lady Dragons include Moody, Buchanan, Haney, Hernandez and Lauren Farmer.
Notable newcomers are Woods, Lexi Wright, Olivia Irwin and Kaitlyn Campbell.
“I’m excited about our girls,” Cunningham said. “They’re 1-3, but that’s kind of unfair because we played William Blount and West early. I scheduled those district matches early by design.
“Those are the two best teams in our district, and we’ll do better in our matches later in the season.”
