Character Counts | BMHS Women’s Tennis

Show of Support and Sportsmanship

For those who do not know, the Parker Girls’ and Craig boys longtime coach Justin, passed away in March of this year due to suicide. The girls wanted to let their opponents know that we stand with them in this difficult time.

Beloit’s tennis coach, Leighia Francis, as a graduate of Parker, and a fellow tennis player of Justin’s herself, the team decided to bring awareness to both suicide and mental health awareness. This match was also the first time Justin’s wife, Bethany has been to the courts in which she and her family have spent their time and passion at. It was also coach Francis’ first time back.

Upon lineup before the match, each Beloit tennis girl, handed Bethany a yellow flower along with a hug. Each girl also wore two memorial yellow and lime green pins (the colors of mental health awareness and suicide awareness). When they met with their opponent for a handshake, they also gave each Parker girl one of their pins and even a few hugs. It was an emotional night full of hugs, tears, and even some laughs.

Parker ended up taking the win for the night score wise, but Memorial walked away with our own win. The compliments and hugs our girls received from the Parker players, their parents, and even community members will stick with them for some time.

[See image gallery at beloitschools.org]

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