The eight new glistening tennis courts on site, lit up for all to see, have been a gateway for opportunities for the tennis team. These courts have been open for playing only for a year now, but since the new addition, Coach Richard Horne and the team have been able to expand their abilities, their team, and their opportunities for more practice time. Prior to having their own personal tennis courts, the team used to travel to practice, and were limited to 2-5 Tyson park courts, depending on the availability each day.

“I always just considered it a challenge. We worked hard, and have had teams qualify for State five times in the last six years,” said Horne.

Unlike most sports, in tennis, only six singles players and six doubles players from the entire conference go to State each year.

“That is just a handful of players, and qualifying makes them the best of the best,” said Horne.

This year Josh Benford and Mitchell Berry’s doubles team was the only qualifying team from Har-Ber to advance to the State tournament. Practice and preparation was a necessity in order to qualify for State.

“We practiced every day during the week, and some nights we would come in at night and play practice matches,” said senior Josh Benford.

They lost a close match in the quarterfinals against Little Rock Catholic, who went on to win State by easily beating Fayetteville in the finals, 6-1, 6-0.

“It was a heartbreaker knowing how close we came,” said Horne.  

Despite the result of the state tournament, Horne and his returning team members are eager to achieve great things next year.

“My goal next season is to ultimately to perform well throughout the season and at conference,” said junior Caroline Wood.

Coach Horne sees future prospects in both his girls and boys teams.

“They are pumped about learning, practicing, and seeing how far they can go. They know only the best qualify and they are ready to make their mark and be one of those handful,” said Horne.