Nelson, Grace and Girls Tennis Honored with Sportsmanship Awards

FWCD celebrated two students and one team that earned the 2023 Spring Season SPC Sportsmanship Awards. Individual sportsmanship awards went to Rachel Nelson ’23 (track and field) and Jackson Grace ’23 (boys tennis). Girls tennis earned the team honor. 

The SPC bestows two Sportsmanship Awards each season: team and individual. Team awards are selected by SPC coaches. The individual athletic awards are determined by each school, and two student-athletes at each SPC school (one male, one female) earn them each season. 

Varsity Boys Tennis Coach Tim Hatcher was impressed with Grace’s competitive spirit and leadership. “Jackson is a fierce competitor in tennis and can be trusted to always put forth his best effort,” Hatcher said. “His ability to adapt and bring out the best in his teammates make him a consummate sportsman.”

Nelson will go down as one of the greatest track and field athletes in SPC history, according to Program Director and Head Coach Jared Connaughton. “What is even more impressive about Rachel is her integrity and passion for the sport and the kindness she exhibits to her classmates, teachers, coaches and competitors,” he said. “She is the consummate professional on the track and in the classroom and to say that I'm proud to have coached Rachel is an incredible understatement. I can think of no one who has represented her family, school and conference with more grace, class and dignity.”

Debby Arnold, Varsity Girls Tennis Coach could not be more proud of the team. “Throughout the entire season, we as coaches stressed the importance of tennis etiquette, respect for the game and respect for our opponent. The team listened to our advice and implemented this in every practice and in every match,” she said. “This award speaks to their ability to control what they could control in the heat of competition. Bravo to the team for this accomplishment!”

“Rachel and Jackson are both extraordinary student-athletes. They are humble, team-centered and represent FWCD with integrity,” said Director of Athletics Leigh Block. “The varsity girls tennis team are terrific FWCD representatives, always supporting each other, competing to the best of their ability, and treating opponents and each other with respect.”