After such a memorable 2001 season, much was expected of the women’s tennis team this year. Prior to this season, GC’s only tennis All-American chose to transfer, which forced most of the lineup to play at a higher seed.

The Pride was fortunate to add rookie talent in Kate Creasy and Sarah McGlynn. With veteran returnees Meredith Stanley and Ashley Richardson, GC also had experience in the top half of its roster.

Greensboro ultimately finished the season 6-8—but won an impressive five of its last seven matches. The Pride was 5-2 in Dixie Conference dual matches and finished second in the DIAC regular season.

At the conference tournament, The Pride finished fourth. Yet the number two doubles team of Kate Creasy and Blair McGillicuddy won the conference championship. 

“The strength of our team was we had good athletes who were also strong team leaders,” said Head Coach Pat Williams. “They were a fun group to be around and would dig deep in order to get a victory.”
     
At the GC athletics awards convocation, the Coach’s Award went to Ashley Richardson. She played both number one singles and doubles. “Ashley matured as a player and individual,” Williams said. “She held her own against the top players in the region and is on her way to being one of the best in the South.” 

The women’s tennis Rookie-of-the-Year was truly a rookie in name only. Her talent and raw ability helped propel GC to a DIAC title at number two doubles. “It’s a great feeling of security when you have a freshman like Kate Creasy,” said Williams. “She’s a powerful player, and also a scholar athlete. We look forward to many years of success from her.” 

The women’s tennis most valuable player was Meredith Stanley. Known for her loyalty to teammates and her good sportsmanship, Stanley is passionate and a true team leader. She closed the year with a third place finish at number three singles in the Dixie Conference championships. “She is a fierce competitor,” said Williams. “Her ability to mentally focus—and to out-wit an opponent—is uncanny.”