WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Southeastern Homeschool Sports (SHS) Cardinals is the ONLY homeschool tennis team in the state of North Carolina. The team began in 2013, does not have other homeschool teams to play, but does play many local private and local schools. The Cardinals’ athletic director, coaches, and even parents are all volunteers and work hard at finding matches for the team.

According to player parent and Head Coach Shelley Boehling, “We had 20 young ladies competing this year, and they were a joy to coach! They have amazing, involved families who support the volunteer coaches and help in any way they can. It is a wonderful organization!” Assistant coaches are Tracy McCabe and LaShana Flood.

This year the high school varsity team finished the season with a 7-4 record. The middle school team takes part in the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association’s “after school middle school league” against local public and private schools. They finished their season with a 5-3 season. Many of the players have private tennis lessons and additional court time outside of Cardinals’ practice time, and it shows in their matches.

A high school highlight this year was that junior Mackenzie Kate Bebb went undefeated in 18 matches, (9 singles and 9 doubles)! The team has no captains, but senior Anika Bebb was a wonderful leader and encourager! For middle school, two experienced players and leaders were Charlotte Yandle and Hannah Grace Bebb. All these leaders were committed to their teams and modeled hard work, positivity, and sportsmanship.

Coach Shelley has coached the team for eight seasons, and this year, for the first time, she organized an end-of-season tournament for all high school and middle school players. The high school winner was Anika Bebb, and the middle school winner was Charlotte Yandle. Each year at season’s end, the teams celebrate with a party for all players and their families. They play tennis games and enjoy the food contributed by the families.

When we asked about the team goals, we were told, “Grow in faith and character, learn and enjoy the game of tennis, exhibit excellent sportsmanship, make improvements in tennis abilities over the season, and have a winning record.”

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