Banneker High School’s tennis program was relaunched just two years ago by Coach Patricia Swift. Already, the school is making history.
During the 2019 season, Banneker’s Bryce Hall went undefeated and earned the distinction of becoming the school’s first-ever Georgia High School Association’s Region 6-AAAAA Tennis Player of the Year. In recognition of his achievement, his racket has been retired and is now on display on the high school’s campus.
“I hope to see Bryce playing in the U. S. Open and Wimbledon one day,” Coach Swint said. “I’m not sure that’s what he wants to do, but I hope that whatever he chooses to do will make him happy.”
Whatever the path, Hall has demonstrated that he has what it takes to be successful. His perseverance is just one of the traits that helped him secure his historic seven straight wins. Even with pain and risk of injury, he never lost sight of his goal of a perfect season.
“I was winning and feeling pretty comfortable,” he said, recounting one of his matches. “In the second set I slid for a ball and fell and caught a cramp. The cramp didn’t go away until the end of the third set. I told myself to keep the ball in and just run out the cramp. I persevered because I didn’t want to end my season without being undefeated.”
Hall has graduated from Banneker, and will continue in the sport at Georgia Southern University. He is pursuing a four-year degree in biology.
Fulton County Schools continues to celebrate Hall’s achievements. He was recently recognized by the Fulton County School Board at the August 22 meeting. While he wasn’t able to attend due to his college class schedule, Banneker High School’s Principal Duke Bradley accepted the award on his behalf.
Photo: Fulton County Schools