Tennis enthusiast stands out from peers
Whether she's on the court or off, Christine Edell gives it her all.
"I just really like to play," said the 15-year-old daughter of George and Susan Edell of Evans.
Christine is an avid tennis player who also enjoys basketball.
"Christine stands out from her peers in that she never lets her guard down," said Kim Buchanan, coach of the tennis team at Greenbrier High School where Christine is a rising sophomore. "Specifically, she never gives away any points or games. In other words, every point matters.
"In fact, her overall season record was in the ballpark of 96 games to 12; out of 16 season matches, her opponents only scored a total of 12 games."
It's that competitive nature that earned Christine a nationally ranked position in her age group last year.
"Last year, as a 14-and-under player, she had a national ranking, was 38 in the southern section and ranked 13th in the state of Georgia," said Craig Jones, owner and coach at Petersburg Racquet Club where Christine has played for the past five years. "This year's rankings have not come out yet, but she will have a southern and a state ranking."
Christine Edell, a rising sophomore at Greenbrier High, was a nationally ranked tennis player several years ago and has been playing tennis since she was 8 years old.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
A tennis enthusiast since she was 8 years old, Christine makes a special effort to give her all to the sport.
"It's been something that has been with me for a while," Christine said of her love for tennis.
"She brings stability and leadership to the team," Buchanan said. "Even though she was only a freshman last year, every player on the team looked up to her because they knew that she would always win. And that, ultimately, gave them the confidence to succeed in their matches."
At Petersburg Racquet Club where she takes lessons from Coach Jordan Goetzman, Christine has earned a reputation as a talented kid on the block.
"She is incredibly talented," Jones said. "She has a huge forehand and plays a very aggressive game style. Her potential is unlimited.
"We want to push her harder, and it is tough. We like her so much, that you almost feel guilty yelling at her. She is extremely well-liked out here and gets along with everyone."
"I just love watching Christine play tennis," Buchanan added. "She hits an amazing forehand and her ability to place the ball is impeccable.
"I'm just so thrilled that I get to have Christine as a player for three more years. Not only is she an awesome tennis player, but she is an awesome person who exudes wit and charm."