ROCKINGHAM — It’s been a couple of years since she was last on the high school coaching circuit, but Neely Herndon will return this fall as Richmond Senior High School’s new head girls’ tennis coach.
A Richmond County native and a 2001 graduate of RSHS, Herndon was announced as the Lady Raiders’ coach earlier this week by athletic director Ricky Young. Herndon will replace former three-year head coach Mike Way, who will shift his coaching responsibilities to the Lady Raider softball program.
A four-sport athlete during her years at Richmond, Herndon played volleyball, basketball, softball and soccer. She received her bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and later earned her master’s degree in Health Education and Promotion from East Carolina University.
Currently a strength and conditioning coach at Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy, where she’s been since the school opened during the 2008-09 school year, Herndon brings with her a wealth of coaching experience to her new team.
She coached the Richmond varsity volleyball team for two seasons, and also spent two springs as the junior varsity softball coach. At RCNGA, Herndon coached basketball, cheerleading, softball and volleyball for several years.
“I received an email from Mr. Butler which said the head tennis coaching position had not been filled and asked if I was interested,” Herndon explained. “I haven’t coached the past three years, and I thought it might be fun to learn the sport.
“Tennis is much more of an individual sport, which is a difference concept,” she added. “I’m excited to get out here and help the girls. I think it’s an opportunity for a challenge and a learning experience to be combined as one.”
Although she doesn’t have any formal experience playing tennis, Herndon does play recreationally and said her background in athletics and coaching should help her transition into her new role. She takes over a Lady Raider tennis program, that under Way, made the state playoffs the past couple seasons, including winning its first playoff match in program history in 2017.
Last season’s team saw seven of its eight players graduate, and with no other players returning this fall, Herndon has a fresh canvas of players to work with. The tennis team held its first day of tryouts on Tuesday, seeing nine girls come out and participate.
“There are a lot of girls with talent and athletic abilities,” Herndon commented. “Tennis in Richmond County isn’t a sport that receives a lot of focus, but we have a lot of opportunities to grow individually and as a team.
“I think there are girls who can definitely compete against other players in the conference,” she added. “Just from looking at them during day one, we’ve got a good chance at developing throughout the season.”
Herndon broke out her racket Tuesday, jumping right into her new job, working with players on serves, forehand and backhand drills, as well as explaining the principles of the sport. She noted that none of the girls participating in tryouts have any experience playing organized tennis, but that’s not deterring her attitude toward the upcoming season.
The Lady Raiders will kick off their season on Aug. 19 at home against Montgomery Central High School. For now, Herndon is focused on developing her players and making sure they enjoy the learning process.
“The main thing is for everyone to learn the sport, and have fun playing it,” Herndon closed. “The girls seem excited to be here. I hope they learn quickly and compete with other players in the conference."
