Tennis and Cross Country

It was an active sports season for both Baylie and Jalen. Baylie had a rough season. Irmo moved up to 5A, which means the competition was much tougher. Worse than that was the fact that we had a falling out the the man that has coached the kids for over a decade. It was really hard on our family, but especially on Baylie. He's her school coach and it basically ruined the season for her. 

She still played well and we were proud of how she overcame adversity.

By some miracle, her team made it to the playoffs. They won the first round against Lugoff-Elgin. 

The second round was in Florence. So of course we made a stop at Buc-ee's.

Jalen and I then made a quick trip to the beach.

Florence's tennis team was really good. The girl Baylie played was internationally ranked. Baylie played hard, but the team lost and their season came to an end.

She was actually glad for it to be over. (I had been the unofficial team photographer in the past, but because of the falling out, I didn't do it this year so they didn't get a team picture.)

Jalen decided to take up cross country this year. He was encouraged to do so by some of his closest friends - Gideon Stroud and Jay Brusin.

The cross country culture was amazing. The kids were always so supportive of each other - girls and boys.

Cross Country was hard. Jalen hated the running, but he loved the teamwork. We were so proud of how hard he pushed himself day after day.

That's our Jalen!

Baylie and I would get up super early to go watch his races. 

I love the way they support each other.

Baylie's friend Alexa also runs cross country.

Awards banquet.

Jalen got the paper plate award for "I'm Sick of It!" Pretty appropriate.

I'm proud of how hard my kids work at their sports, but even prouder of the fact that they show good sportsmanship.