COVINGTON, Ga. — Ashley Pope has been playing tennis for the past nine years. She gave it a try and now, Pope is a senior captain for Eastside’s girls tennis team. 

Not only does Pope enjoy the sport, but she has gained something from playing tennis. 

“I think I have definitely become more confident in my ability since beginning my participation in tennis,” Pope said. “I have learned to enjoy and appreciate the sport no matter whether I win or lose and use all my mistakes as opportunities for improvement.” 

Pope’s interest in tennis was piqued and has maintained throughout her Eastside career. 

“I liked the concept of the game and soon came to love the physical and mental benefits of playing,” Pope said. “It helps to maintain your strength and agility, as well as improving social activity.”

A player Pope looks up to the most is Coco Gauff — an American professional tennis player who has a career high ranking of world No. 4 in singles and world No. 1 in doubles.

In addition to her role as captain, Pope was also the lone girls senior for the Lady Eagles this season, too. Those two things coupled together have added to Pope’s sense of leadership. 

Being a leader is something Pope takes great pride in. 

“I love being able to organize and see everyone’s growth, including my own,” Pope said. “The bond between the remaining team members has grown throughout the years, which has in turn positively affected our performance.” 

Pope has taken on other leadership roles at and away from school. 

She serves as the vice president of Eastside’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), she’s an Eastside Eagle Ambassador and a delegate of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Outside of Eastside, Pope is a volunteer through the First United Methodist Church in Covington and is the manager of @Local Coffee House & Study Lounge. 

With all of this experience with extra-curricular activities, Pope hopes to one day become an attorney. After her high school graduation in May, Pope plans to attend the University of Georgia to major in communications and minor in political science. 

Pope recognized her preparedness for the next level stems from her time as an Eastside student-athlete. 

“Eastside has provided me with the rigorous courses and social development necessary to move forward and achieve my dreams,” Pope said.