Parkers Chapel’s Tatum Watson finished her tennis career as one of the state’s elite singles players, competing in the Overall State Tournament. That was quite a journey for the senior, who hadn’t played singles since her ninth grade season.
“I gave her the option early in the summer to play singles or doubles her senior season, telling her once she chose, I expected her to be all in and not waver,” said PC coach Julie Battisto. “She took that to heart and once she chose to be a singles player, she focused on being the best not only on our team but in the conference and state as well.”
Watson was the conference singles champion and advanced to the finals of the 2A State Tournament, finishing second and leading the Lady Trojans to the state runner-up trophy. She was named as a finalist for the Fall Sports Female Athlete of the Year.
“I did not know Tatum before this summer. She was a teammate and classmate of my son but I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know her until I took over the team. She is one of the most driven student athletes I have worked with,” said Battisto.
“There was never a doubt that she was dedicated. She was at every team practice and she also practiced with a private coach in addition to holding down a job over the summer. She is such a well-rounded, intelligent young woman and I am excited to see where she goes after graduation. I have no doubt she will be a success. It is such a blessing to be a coach and watch an athlete grow and succeed. But the best part of the season was getting to know a young woman who is a genuinely good human.”
Watson finished the season with a 12-3 singles record, including a three-set loss at the Overall Tournament.
The date for the Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet will be announced later.