Niceville High has solidified its reputation as a tennis powerhouse, thanks to the exceptional training provided by Brett Beattie and Adam Drysdale at Emerald Coast Tennis Academy. Their dedication extends beyond individual coaching, incorporating a robust feeder program from Ruckel Middle School and the relentless efforts of coaches Chris Poate and Brian Braziel. Recently, Niceville Eagles triumphed in District 1-3A championships, securing numerous titles and maintaining their legacy of excellence established through countless regional victories and a notable state championship in 2014.

The girls' team achieved a clean sweep of seven individual district titles, defeating Gulf Breeze with a score of 28-20. Meanwhile, the boys' team narrowly edged out Gulf Breeze with a dramatic 24-23 victory, powered by wins in No. 3-5 singles spots and the No. 2 doubles team. This success highlights the team's strategic depth and commitment to excellence, setting them up for advancement in the regionals and potentially the state finals.

Girls Team: Dominance and Legacy Building

The Niceville girls' tennis team has set an impressive standard this season, sweeping all individual district titles and defeating Gulf Breeze decisively. Under the guidance of Coach Poate, they have not only reached their primary goal of advancing to regionals but also exceeded expectations by securing every match at districts. The team remains undefeated in Florida, showcasing their formidable talent and relentless drive.

Annaliese Drab led the charge, defeating Ella Goodwin from Gulf Breeze in the No. 1 singles slot, while she and Eleanor Randolph claimed the No. 1 doubles title. Audrey Hill, Eleanor Randolph, Callie Delemarre, and Aspen Baker further cemented their dominance by winning the No. 2 through No. 5 singles titles respectively. In doubles play, Hill and Delemarre secured the No. 2 doubles crown. This comprehensive performance underscores the team’s unity and skill, ensuring their journey continues toward the state championships.

Boys Team: Strategic Depth and Resilience

While the boys' team faced stiffer competition, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic depth to secure their district title. Despite Crestview's Tristan Cooley dominating the No. 1 singles slot, Niceville's Andrew Roberts finished second in the No. 2 singles, providing crucial momentum. The team then capitalized on their strengths down the lineup, achieving significant victories in Nos. 3-5 singles and No. 2 doubles.

Cole Hawkins, Sean Wingenbach, and Ben Converse each triumphed in straight sets against Gulf Breeze in the Nos. 3-5 singles slots, securing individual district crowns. Additionally, Hawkins and Noah Stickler clinched the No. 2 doubles title, contributing four district titles to Niceville's tally compared to Gulf Breeze's two. This strategic balance exemplifies the team's ability to adapt and succeed under pressure. Moving forward, both Niceville teams will host Leon in the region semifinals, aiming to continue their successful campaign.