Lexington, S.C. — Two Lexington County School District One student athletes were named Players of the Year by the South Carolina Coaches Association of Women’s Sports. The association honored Lexington High School golfer Karlee Vardas as well as River Bluff High School tennis player Jesse Hollins during its annual banquet in February.
Vardas, a junior at LHS, began playing golf six years ago. She won the Class 5A individual state title this year and committed to play for Georgia Southern University after graduation. She was also named the High School Sports Report’s 5A Player of the Year.
“My favorite aspect of golf is you never have the same shot twice. You have to expect the unexpected,” says Vardas. “Plus I am able to meet new people from across the world.”
Hollins, a senior at RBHS, joined the school’s tennis team last year after moving to South Carolina from Buffalo, New York. In addition to serving as one of the leaders of the Gator’s 2019 5A state championship team, Hollins went 27–0 and won the 4A/5A individual state title. She was also named the High School Sports Report’s Miss Tennis.
“I love the competitiveness of the sports. It is what drives me to want to improve,” says Hollins. “Tennis has taught me independence, the importance of a positive mindset, patience and many other traits that have impacted me as a student.”
Hollins committed to play tennis at Coastal Carolina University in the fall.
Picture L to R: Jesse Hollins - Karlee Vardas
