Bainbridge Bearcat senior No.1 singles player Hema Hasona signed a tennis scholarship Monday with the Florida A&M Rattlers.
Looking on as he signed in the Bainbridge High School gymnasium hospitality room filled with teammates, administrators, teachers and friends were Hasona’s mother, Bihab Hasona, his father, Sadi Hasona, and his brother Nour Hasona. Bainbridge Bearcats and Lady Cats tennis coach Amy Thomas said she is extremely proud of Hema.
“Hema, who plays No. 1 singles for us, is a great tennis player, a great student and a great person,” Thomas said. “He is also a great role model for his fellow players and students. I am sure that after another strong season for us this spring he will continue to play top level tennis at Florida A&M University.”
Hasona said he was thankful for the support he’s had over the course of his tennis career.
“I want to thank my parents and Coach Thomas for all their support,” Hasona said following the signing. “I especially want to thank my dad for believing in me and supporting me as I was coming up as a young tennis player. ”
Florida A&M Rattlers tennis coach Carl Goodman said he is very pleased to have
Hasona coming to join his tennis program next season.
“Hema is an outstanding tennis player and an outstanding young man,” Goodman said. “He will be an asset to our program.”
Last season, with Hasona leading the way, the Bearcats dominated the Region 1-AAAAA Tournament at Bill Reynolds Tennis Center Sports Park. He defeated his Columbus Hardaway High School No. 1 singles opponent 6-0, 6-0 leading his team to a 6-0 win. His brother won 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2 singles and his teammate Jones Gossett won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3 singles.
“It did not matter if it was a regular season match or the final match of the Region 1-AAAAA tournament, Hema would always come up with an outstanding clutch performance,” Thomas said.