Union City is turning to one of its own in a restructuring of its high school tennis program.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said Maddie (King) Britt, who helped the Lady Tornadoes to four consecutive state team tournament berths as a player and three times competed in the state doubles tourney, has been named head coach of the boys’ and girls’ programs.
Britt has served as the Union City Middle School head coach for the past two years and also as an assistant in the postseason on the high school level during that time.
Tom Sisco, who piloted the Tornado girls to four state tournament appearances in eight seasons – including a trio of Class 1A runner-up finishes the past three years, will now serve as both programs’ assistant coach.
UCHS Principal/Athletic Director Jacob Cross – himself an ex-head coach in the program – announced the changes.
“We’re always proud to promote one of our own, and I’m excited about what I believe Maddie will bring to both our boys’ and girls’ programs,” Cross said. “Obviously, she was an outstanding player during her time here, and she’s retained her enthusiasm, work ethic, and love for the game as a coach while developing many of our young players and working with our girls the past couple of postseasons.
“Tom was ready for the transition to a different role, and I think he’ll be a great help to Maddie with his new responsibilities. I have no doubts they’ll be a good tandem for our student-athletes and our programs.”
Britt shined for the Lady Tornadoes as the program’s No. 1 singles player from 2012-15 when they made the Spring Fling all four years. She also teamed with Anna Moore and Abby Bruff to qualify for the state doubles championships in 2012, ‘13, and ‘15.
She’s admittedly excited about her new responsibilities.
“I’m ready,” Britt said. “And it feels right. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this and praying about it. It feels good to be able to have the opportunity to give back to a program that was so good to me when I played. And it’s such a distinguished program.
“I believe I know what it takes to get to and compete at the highest level, and I know our players have it in them. I’m happy that Coach Sisco will be there to help me with the challenges and many responsibilities of being a head coach on the high school level, and I look forward to working with him.”
For his part, Sisco – who compiled a combined 148-107 record the past eight years – expects a smooth transition to his new role.
“I think it’s an ideal situation for our programs and for both Maddie and me,” he said. “I enjoy our kids and the sport, and I’m looking forward to doing anything I can to help her and continue the great tradition of Union City High School tennis.”