Just five years ago, Ben Coltharp was leading the Carl Junction tennis program with his stellar play on the court.
Coltharp is now leading the Bulldogs in a different way — as the program’s new head coach.
“As a player at Carl Junction, I didn’t really imagine that one day I would take over the reins of the same tennis program,” Coltharp said. “I hope that I can provide the same passion and knowledge of the sport to all of my players.”
Coltharp replaces Adam Neldeberg, who resigned last spring after nine years at the helm of both the girls and boys teams.
Playing for Neldeberg, Coltharp was a four-year letterwinner, a three-time state qualifier and was the team’s top performer throughout his prep career.
Coltharp also made history within the program.
Tennis was added at Carl Junction during the 2009-10 school year. And in 2013, the doubles team of Coltharp and Andy Gloshen became the first state tournament qualifiers in program history.
One year later, Coltharp was the program’s first state qualifier in singles.
In 2015, Coltharp and Jensen Smith advanced to state in doubles.
Now, Coltharp is leading Carl Junction’s girls through preseason practices.
Carl Junction’s top returning players are seniors Hannah Clinage, Mariah Barnett and Hope Sponsel and juniors Nicole Sherwood and Valeria Poor.
Freshman Jenna Besperat is expected to occupy the team’s sixth varsity spot.
“It’s great to have young talent getting that varsity experience,” Coltharp said.
Coltharp said he’s been pleased with the team’s effort and improvements in practice.
“I enjoy how much the players visibly enjoy hitting good shots, battling out a tough rally, and getting better, bit by bit,” Coltharp said.
Carl Junction will begin the season with a dual against College Heights at 4 on Friday at the Joplin Athletic Complex.
TENNIS NOTES
Girls tennis in Missouri is expanding from two to three classes this season.
Classifications and district assignments won’t be released until Sept. 18.
The state tennis tournament will span two weekends at Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield this year. The individual state tourney will be held Oct. 15-17, with the team championships running Oct. 23-24.
