Ironmen Athletics Media Day

Cherryville Ironmen Women's Tennis Media Day

Posted Friday, August 21, 2026 2:57 pm

By: Ashley Reep - Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Cherryville High School Lady Ironmen tennis team is entering the 2026 season with a new coach and a simple goal: be better than they were last year.

With Brandon Shull taking over as the men's soccer coach, Isabella Andersen, known as "Bella" by the players, is stepping into the role of tennis coach. Andersen is encouraging the team to work hard while remembering to have fun along the way.

That mindset is already showing up on the court. Players Morgan Wray and Laney Spangler are longtime best friends, and when the two play together, their friendship can sometimes turn into laughter during matches. For Andersen, moments like that are part of what makes the sport enjoyable.

Cherryville Ironmen Women's Tennis Team - Cherryville Ironmen Media Day - August, 5, 2026

Morgan Wray

Laney Spangler

Hard Courts and Clay Courts

The Lady Ironmen definitely have a preference among the courts they play on. The team said they favor hard courts over clay, noting that the ball does not bounce as much on clay. While clay courts can provide a different style of play, the players prefer the more bounce of a hard surface.

One challenge the team would like to overcome is the limited number of courts available for practice and matches. With only three courts, it can take time to get everyone through a match.

Staying Active

For these players, tennis doesn't stop when the school season ends.
The team members try to stay active throughout the year, whether they're playing singles against a wall, practicing with one another, playing pickleball, or getting some extra help from Art Lewis, who comes out to the courts whenever he can.

The Lady Ironmen are especially looking forward to competing against East Gaston and West Lincoln. But for these players, the excitement isn't necessarily about the rivalry. It's about getting on the court with other girls who enjoy tennis just as much as they do. For the Lady Ironmen, that's when the competition becomes the most fun.