Academy News

Smith Stearns would like to announce the college commitments of eleven of our students who were honored at our Senior Graduation Ceremony in May. This is a fantastic senior class comprised of students from diverse backgrounds. They are all unique and have a special story of how they got to achieve their goals of playing college tennis. We are very proud of all of them and wish them nothing but the very best in their future collegiate career!     … read more

Kyle Barr Hometown: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina College Commitment: Wofford College   Kyle has been a member of the academy for the past two and half year years. He moved from Myrtle Beach to to be a part of a family environment with high quality coaches and players that was conducive to his development. During his time here, Kyle has become one of the most driven, hardworking, and competitive students we have had. He is always looking for ways to … read more

Mary Hampton McNeal Hometown: Beaufort, South Carolina College Commitment: Washington & Lee University   Mary Hampton began her tennis career with her dad and older sister Morgan on the tennis court in their backyard. What started off as a family pastime quickly became a passion for both girls as they quickly realized they would like to pursue tennis on a competitive level. The girls started at the academy over four years ago when Mary Hampton was in the eighth grade. … read more

Ellie Zimmermann Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin College Commitment: Villanova University   Ellie has been a member of the academy for the past two years after moving from Wisconsin to find a place where she could find a great balance between her tennis, academics, and social life. Over the years Ellie has developed into a great tennis player while showing strong character both on and off the tennis court. Her fun and outgoing personality is what sets her apart and makes … read more

Alexander Moyer Jones Hometown: Durham, North Carolina College Commitment: University of North Carolina at Charlotte   Alexander or “AJ” as we call him at the academy, started playing tennis when he was 8 years old. It quickly became his passion and he started training and traveling to tournaments in the Raleigh area. Living so close to Duke University inspired him to play at a high level and gave him the goal to hopefully one day play collegiate tennis. At the … read more

Audrey Bennett Hometown: Carmel, Indiana College Commitment: Millsaps College   Originally from Carmel, Indiana, Audrey started at the academy four years ago when she realized she wanted to pursue tennis on a competitive level. Having taken up the game at a later age than most, Audrey’s hard work and determination have given her the opportunity to achieve success very quickly.   Audrey recognizes that all of the coaches have been instrumental in her success, especially Billy who has really helped … read more

Ariel Shulman Hometown: Parkersburg, West Virginia College Commitment: Marist College   Ariel started off her tennis career in her hometown of Parkersburg, West Virginia at twelve years old. After realizing she was passionate about the game she started to look for an academy where she could further pursue her goals. After a meeting with BJ a few summers ago, Ariel felt that Smith Stearns would be a great fit for her. She fell in love with the Island, the family … read more

Justin Stubblefield Hometown: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina College Commitment: Millsaps College   Justin started at the academy two years ago so he could better prepare himself for college by playing with other strong players and great coaches. He has spent many hours training hard and developing his game and he credits Paul for being instrumental in his success. Justin’s wit and sense of humor set him apart and always put a smile on your face. He is an extremely … read more