SPORTS

Davidson Athletics and the Men’s and Women’s Tennis Programs are pleased to announce the addition of a state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard to complement the college’s 12-court open-air tennis complex installed in 2015. The new scoreboard features a wireless keypad for each of the front six courts. This significant improvement to the existing complex was made possible through a generous contribution from tennis alum Bob Rapp ’48, in honor of close friend Mark Yarbrough and his daughter Caroline, Davidson College Class of 2019 and standout cross country and track scholar-athlete.

“The scoreboard is a transformative gift for our tennis facility,” said Head Men’s Tennis Coach Drew Barrett. “I cannot thank Bob enough for his generous gift to Davidson College. This is something that will benefit both of our programs for many years to come.”

Head Women’s Tennis Coach Susanne Depka echoed Barrett’s sentiments and added, “We are so very appreciative and grateful for this tremendous gift that will not only enhance our facility but will also make an impact in regard to recruiting.”

During his 15-year tenure, Barrett has led the Wildcats to 10 or more wins in a season nine times. In 2018, the ‘Cats collected 16 wins for the second year in a row and the most since 1994. The 2018 graduating class earned 55 wins in four years (Shamael Chaudhry, Artem Khrapko, David Hager and Jack Riazzi). In the 2020-21 season, freshman duo Maxwell Kachkarov and Alejandro Solares made statements in the Atlantic 10, collecting a pair of A-10 Rookie of the Week honors, while Kachkarov was named to the A-10’s First Team All-Conference list.

As one of Davidson’s newest head coaches, Depka has had outstanding individual and team success in her four years at the helm. In 2019, Davidson went 14-11 and advanced to the semifinals of the A-10 Women’s Tennis Championships and, in 2020, the ‘Cats were named an ITA All-Academic Team. Seven Wildcats have received A-10 All-Conference honors, including Anna Catharine Feaster ’18, who was a four-time first-team pick, and Alexandra Abele ’20, who was also honored with the Rebecca A. Stimson Award, Davidson Athletics’ top female award given to a senior scholar-athlete. Most recently, sophomore Josie Schaffer had a breakout year, being named to the league’s All-Conference First Team list this spring.

The addition of the new scoreboard elevates an already impressive outdoor tennis complex and will immediately serve as a focal point for recruits and visiting teams and spectators alike.