District signals end of tennis, Darnell’s final coaching season

While this season may have been a first for fall tennis, it was also the last for coach Kandi Darnell.

“Coach Darnell has been my role model since middle school because she is such a strong woman,” sophomore Julia Harrell said. “Tennis isn’t going to be the same without her being there to cheer us on.”

Coach Darnell finished her last of 33 years of coaching in Devine this year.

“As a senior I’m definitely going to miss tennis,” senior Alyssa Ramirez said. “I’m going to miss the tournaments and my tennis family.”

In a very tough district, the athletes competed well, but didn’t advance past district.

“I am disappointed to not advance past district but I enjoyed getting better all year and competing at the meets,” sophomore Abbie Capps said.

Some tennis players have been playing together for a long time.

“My favorite part about tennis is playing with my doubles partner, Abbie,” Harrell said. “We have been playing together since 7th grade.”