Allen named to All Star tennis team
Union County tennis standout, Abby Allen, has been selected to compete in the North-South All Star games and on Nov. 16 she will join her coach, Kelly Jenkins, on the North squad at the Kroc Center in Greenville.
Jenkins, who was named to the All Star coaching staff last month, assisted with player selections and feels that Allen has earned the honor through hard work and dedication.
“She is a special athlete,” said Jenkins. “Even though tennis isn’t her primary sport, she works well beyond practice time to perfect her game. She has played some great players in the past few years and beaten some of the best. She deserves to be recognized for her outstanding play.”
Allen was recently named Region III-AAA Player of the Year after leading Union County from the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles positions.
Jenkins, who has coached Allen from JV through 12th grade is grateful to have the opportunity to work with her star player one more time.
“When you’ve coached these girls for as many as six years, you develop a bond that is almost like family,” she explained. “It’s hard when you have coached a player that long and she comes off the court for the last time. I’m lucky enough this year that I will be able to extend it for a few more matches.”
Allen also excells on the softball field where she plays shortstop and bats cleanup but as accomplished an athlete as she is, Jenkins said the thing that first comes to mind about the senior sports star is her character.
“She exemplifies everything that a student-athlete should be,” she declared. “Abby is humble, hard working, selfless, dedicated and caring — A true leader on and off the court.”
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