Serving Up History
Russell becomes Anderson County’s first state qualifier
Anderson County’s Reese Russell will face Rich LaLannce from Siegel High School in the opening round of the 2025 TSSAA state tennis championship tournament. (photo:Tony Cox )
Russell recently won the Region 2-AA boys individual singles championship, earning a spot in the Spring Fling and becoming the first tennis player in school history to qualify for the TSSAA state tournament.
“Reese is a great kid,” Anderson County Coach Robert Byers said. “He works hard, and by the time it’s all said and done, he could be the best [tennis] player to ever come out of Anderson County High.”
Russell said he’s grateful for the opportunity to represent ACHS on the state level.
“I feel blessed to be going to state,” he said. “Tennis is a small sport around here. Not a lot of people play or follow it, but I’m thankful for the chance to compete.”
He will open tournament play Thursday against Murfreesboro Siegel’s Rich LaLance at the Adams Tennis Complex at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro.
“I think the guy from Siegel is the defending (state) champion,” Byers said. “That was his draw.”
Still, Russell said he’s ready for the challenge.
“I came up just short of this last year as a sophomore,” he said. “This year, I knew I could get over the hump. I’ve played in some big matches.
“I’ve been playing since I was 5, off and on, and it’s great to know that all the work I’ve done has paid off,” Russell said.
Russell is no stranger to championship pressure. He was part of Anderson County’s 2022 Class 4A state championship team.
“I was a freshman on that team, and my brother was a senior,” he said. “This is a little different because I’ll have more of an impact — and this is individual.”
Farrow wins girls district title
Anderson County’s Stella Farrow captured the district championship on the girls’ side.
“Reese won the district and region, and Stella also won the district,” Byers said.
“She’s a great kid and a hard worker.”
