Andalusia High School senior Emma Clark signed her Letter of Intent to continue her tennis career this fall at Snead State Community College on Friday at AHS.

Snead State head tennis coach Matt Holaday told the story of how Clark became the only player he signed this year.

“There are nine spots on the tennis team,” Holaday said. “I have eight freshman right now and I told them all that I would be renewing their scholarships for next year. That left me with one spot. I asked the girls who they thought would be someone that would best fit our program, and one of them said, ‘Emma Clark.’”

It wasn’t long after that Holaday was on the phone offering Clark a scholarship.

“I called Emma and said, ‘I’m going to offer you scholarship.’ She said, ‘O.K.’ and I said, ‘O.K.,’” Holaday said with a laugh.

With many of Clark’s friends in attendance, Holaday explained the importance of having a good reputation.

“One of the girls, who is also from the area, had nothing but good things to say about Emma,” Holaday said. “I didn’t get good a report on the other girl that we were recruiting. I think it’s important for the kids to understand that your reputation precedes you. That’s the reason we picked Emma. She is going to be a wonderful addition to our program.”

Clark is the daughter of Anthony and Chanda Clark.