Steven Georgian, son of Pete and Violet Georgian of Wiggins, Mississippi, signed with the Crusaders tennis program of William Carey University. Georgian will be transferring from Pearl River Community College where he just completed his second year of competition as a member of the Wildcat Tennis Team under Coach Jessica Olson, also of Wiggins.
This year, Georgian ended a successful season at the number two singles position with a 10-4 record, most of his losses being to players receiving top seeds in the MACJC State Championships; Georgian earned the number three seed. He received the Most Outstanding Male Athlete Award as well as the Best Doubles Team Award along with partner Steven Bracey of Columbia, Mississippi.
Georgian is looking forward to continuing his tennis career with the Crusaders, but will remember his time at Pearl River as being very beneficial to his development. “I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t go to Pearl River,” said Georgian, who before going to Pearl River had only played tennis recreationally. Coach Olson having known the Georgian family for many years recognized his talent and asked him to join the team. Olson said, “I had seen him around the courts when I was home and knew he had some natural ability. Once he joined the team and started practicing and playing every day, he really started to advance quickly.” A red-shirted member of the basketball team his freshman year, Georgian focused only on tennis for his sophomore year. He feels the time he spent with the Wildcats taught him a lot and really helped him develop his game. “I think he’s found his sport,” said Olson. “I know he’s always been involved in athletics, but he’s adapted quickly to this sport, and he’s only getting started. He’s building his experience, and as that grows the strategic side of his game will only get better. I think he’ll really enjoy competing at the next level.” Georgian thinks he will enjoy the competition also, “I’m looking forward to learning new things and another opportunity to play competitive tennis.”
Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, William Carey University will be in their first year reestablishing a once a very competitive, nationally recognized tennis program. After having to cut the program several years ago, the Crusaders will once again have both men’s and women’s tennis teams. William Carey is a member of the NAIA Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, and, with the addition of the men’s and women’s tennis programs, will be host to nine sports this fall. Heading both tennis programs will be Coach Christoph Schaefer.
