Swopes and his tennis teams had a memorable spring

Ada High School’s tennis teams are on cloud nine after both the boys and girls squads clinched the Class 4A State championship titles in spectacular fashion. The boys’ team, led by veteran coach Terry Swopes, swept every division at the state tournament without dropping a set, a feat that has rarely been achieved in Oklahoma high school tennis history.

Despite facing injuries and illnesses throughout the season, the boys’ team rallied together and put on an outstanding performance at the state tournament. The girls’ team, on the other hand, dominated the regular season with 10 tournament wins out of 12 before overcoming adversity to secure their state title.

The celebration for the back-to-back state championships was nothing short of epic, with the boys’ team refusing to rest on their laurels after clinching the team title early on. They went on to sweep every division, showcasing their determination and skill on the court.

Senior players Halston Redwine, Brady Bacon, Tate Danielson, Jackson Swopes, Drew Lillard, and Anthony Towers were instrumental in the team’s success, with Danielson being named the 2024 Jim Thorpe Tennis Player of the Year.

The Ada girls’ team also had a nail-biting victory in the state championship match, with the No. 2 Doubles team of Lilly Cadenhead and Jerzie O’Neal coming back from a set down and trailing 5-2 in the second set to secure the win.

As the postseason awards pour in, the Ada teams continue to bask in the glory of their hard-earned victories. With their eyes set on the All-State matches in July, the players and coaches are gearing up for another exciting chapter in their tennis journey.