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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

Signed, sealed, she delivered, Elliot Newsome has made tennis history. Senior and co-captain, Newsome has led her team to the Central Piedmont Conference (CPC) title and regular season championship in girls tennis all four years while at Davie High School. On the heels of this exciting accomplishment, Newsome has officially signed to continue playing tennis at Belmont Abbey College next fall.

“I was really nervous that I was going to be sad when the season was over, but I’m just really happy that everything went so smoothly, and we had a great season,” Newsome said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better last season.” 

Growing up, Newsome began sports at the age of 6 when she joined the Bermuda Run swim team. Having coaches like Ryan Michel and Chad Zuleger helped her develop a love for the sport beyond summer league.

“I started swimming more competitively at TYDE when summer ended,” Newsome said. “When it came time to start middle school sports, I was disappointed to learn that my school didn’t have a swim team. I appreciated the team aspect of swimming, so I looked for another sport that could allow me that opportunity. Someone had suggested playing tennis. I started that around sixth grade and learned pretty quickly after playing with my dad that it was going to be something I really wanted to get better at. He ignited my passion for it and it was a fun way to also spend time with him.

“I then began working with Bill Appelt and he was very supportive and really taught me a lot.” 

Newsome balanced swimming in high school for her first couple of years with tennis. Ranked No. 1 in tennis her entire career at Davie, she finally came to the realization that she wanted to take the sport to the next level.

“I knew that I wanted to continue playing in college, so I wanted to train all the time,” Newsome said. “Not continuing to swim was one of the toughest decisions I had to make because I loved my coaches and the team. What was really special though was that they supported and understood my decision, and even came out to support me at my matches.”

Committing herself to her sport, Newsome was often spending her time doing clinics with David Livengood at the Taylor Tennis Center and working with Tamer Hegazy at Wake Forest University.

“They have all helped influence my tennis journey, and I’m grateful for the time and different skills they helped me develop,” Newsome said. “And of course, my high school coach, Collin Ferebee, has helped shaped me as a player.”

Newsome’s drive and determination with her athleticism was realized with her many accomplishments in her tennis career. Winning 103 matches and only losing 17 times, her opponents always knew that they would have a tough match ahead. When Newsome continued to make headlines for her wins and leadership, college coaches began contacting her.

“When the Belmont Abbey coach reached out to me, I had already begun my research for colleges,” Newsome said. “I knew that I was looking for a smaller environment and one that wasn’t too far from home. I had spoken to a couple of different schools. However, when I walked on campus, and had other discussions with the coach, I realized their values and mine aligned because they really valued you not just as a player but also as a person. It was different from anywhere else that I looked. And it made me excited to want to come play for them.”

Aside from being a standout athlete, Newsome has taken her academics very seriously as well. The accomplished student has made straight A’s her entire high school career.

“I’m considering majoring in biology because I’m drawn to pre-medicine and physical therapy careers,” Newsome said. “My AP biology class has been very interesting, and I’m excited to see where it goes.”

If not training, studying or spending time with family and friends, Newsome also likes to give back. Realizing how much her coaches impacted her as a student and person, Newsome volunteered as a summer league coach at Bermuda Run for many years. This year she participated as an assistant coach.

“I love working with elementary-aged kids,” Newsome said. “I know the effect having someone support and believe in has when you’re competing. It makes a huge difference “Seeing the swimmers improve and cheer each other on is so much fun.” 

Another way that Newsome encourages youth in her community is through the SURFBoard Youth Grantmakers. Newsome is one of 24 high school students that works to raise funds to be allocated to youth-led projects that benefit other children and youth. Their 13th annual 5k run, POPSICLE 5k is coming up on Feb. 22, 2025, and Newsome is excited to raise as much money as possible to support the youth in their community.

“All profits from the run will be available for grant purposes,” Newsome said. “I’ve participated in this program for four years, and it’s rewarding to see what kids are doing in our community, and we’re helping make that possible.”

As Newsome looks ahead, she’s excited for these final milestones as she closes her last chapter as a high school senior.

“I don’t take for granted any of these wonderful moments that have gotten me to this point with family, friends and coaches,” Newsome said. “They’ve made it so special.”