The Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) boys’ varsity tennis team made a national statement this past weekend, securing back-to-back away victories over McCallie and Baylor—two powerhouse programs ranked #1 and #3 nationally. In a display of talent, grit, and composure, the Spartans delivered a pair of decisive victories in Chattanooga, firmly establishing themselves as a rising force in high school tennis.
These wins come as GAC continues to build momentum following a challenging trip to Florida, where they faced three top-15 teams and went 2-1 against elite competition. That experience proved invaluable, as the team returned home battle-tested and ready to take on two of the nation’s best.
What makes these wins even more impressive is the youth at the heart of this team. With three freshmen, one sophomore, one junior, and just two seniors in the lineup, the young GAC squad showed great depth throughout the lineup.
A defining moment in this historic run came at line 1 singles, where Harrison Kemp secured victory in a grueling three-set battle against Baylor. After falling behind and facing three match points, Kemp displayed incredible resolve, ultimately prevailing in a third-set tiebreaker, 11-9. His determination and clutch play not only sealed his individual victory but also clinched the overall team win in a thrilling back-and-forth match.
A True Team Effort
From the opening serves to the final match points, every player contributed to these historic victories.
“These guys showed incredible heart,” said Head Coach Brett Harte. “Beating one top-five team is tough, but doing it twice in a row—against programs like McCallie and Baylor—is special. This was a total team effort from top to bottom in an electric atmosphere. They believed in themselves, and that made the difference.”
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the team will look to build on this momentum and continue proving their place among the best in high school tennis.
One thing is certain—this group is just getting started. With a young balanced team, the future of GAC tennis is incredibly bright.