• 61°
franklin county times

McPhail adds depth to Lady Eagles

By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
June 12, 2002
With her top three players coming back next year off a nationally ranked club, Meridian Community College women's tennis coach Wanda McPhail wanted to add depth to the Lady Eagles nest.
McPhail accomplished that goal with three signings on Tuesday at the Damon Fitness Center. Signing with MCC were Newton County's Melissa Kimbriel, Michelle Clearman of Brooklyn and Belle Naugher of Kosciusko. They join Bree Roberts of Fayette, Ala., who signed earlier this spring with MCC.
You really have to beat the bushes to find good women players. I think these three can come in and compete and help us in our 4-5-6 roles. With our returning sophomores, we've got a really good chance at going back to the nationals next year," McPhail said.
Playing singles will be a new experience for Kimbriel but she has already shown she is tough competitor in doubles. She and doubles partner Keri McDill reached the semi-finals of the Class 3A State Tournament.
Kimbriel has five years of doubles experience at Newton County, but singles play will be a challenge.
McPhail knows of Kimbriel's play having seen her against her former West Lauderdale teams.
Kimbriel added that she is planning on playing in the State Games of Mississippi's Youth Tennis Tournament set for June 21-23.
Clearman played for Forrest AHS in Brooklyn. She qualified for the State 3A Tournament but had to play the No. 1 seed in the first round.
She liked what she saw in McPhail and MCC.
Naugher has been playing tennis for just a year but she was a good athlete at Koscuisko having played soccer and softball for the Lady Whippets.
Naugher is actually coming to MCC on an art scholarship but she also wants to continue playing tennis. She played mixed doubles at Kosciusko and her team made it to the second round of the 4A Tennis Tournament.

Galleries

PHOTOS: RHS exhibits skills during Northwest Alabama Marching Classic

High School Sports

Russellville High School holds mini cheer camp

Galleries

PHOTOS: Red Bay Founder’s Fest

Features

Third generation stonecutter takes pride in continuing legacy

Franklin County

Meet current group of Franklin County Junior Leaders

Franklin County

State issues fire alert

Galleries

PHOTOS: Roxy holds cruise-in events in downtown Russellville

Galleries

PHOTOS: Tharptown senior homecoming representatives take court

News

Phil Campbell, Red Bay FFA place at North Alabama State Fair

News

BTCPA announces auditions for first production of season

News

RCS Education Foundation honors excellence

News

Downtown Russellville Collective receives grant to further efforts

Franklin County

NWSCC sees fall enrollment continue to rise

News

AlmostBama show raises money for Place of Grace Sept. 23

News

Roxy holds Cruise-In

Franklin County

Political announcement: Doug Aaron announces run for county commission seat 


Franklin County

TVA plans to invest $15 billion over next three years

Franklin County

Alabama Young Farmers vie for top titles

News

RHS ranks 18th on best Alabama high schools list

News

Downtown Russellville Collective receives statewide recognition at Main Street Alabama conference

Franklin County

PHOTOS: Franklin County celebrates Watermelon Festival

Franklin County

Chamber names watermelon winners

Franklin County

NWSCC hosts Run for Reading 5K, Family Fun Run on Sept. 16

Franklin County

New law prohibits smoking, vaping in vehicles with children

x