The Love of the Game: Sampson’s Farewell (For Now) to Above the Net

To all my Above the Net students,

Working with you has been a true privilege. Your passion for the game has taught me more than any textbook ever could. Never lose your spark for the sport. Tennis has been an integral part of my life since I was eight years old and I can’t say there hasn’t been ups and downs. I’ve had my fair share of 0-6’s in my tennis career, but I kept pushing. If you can’t face failure head-on, you can never expect to improve as a tennis player …. or a person in general!

On those days when you want to quit, ask yourself why you started playing in the first place. Reconnecting with that passion is what will get you back on the court. That is the way of the athlete. As I prepare for the new challenges at the University of Georgia, I'll carry the lessons I've learned from all of you: the grit, the sportsmanship, and the love of the game.

I have no doubt that you'll all achieve great things, both on and off the court. I'll be following your journeys and cheering you on every step of the way.

Keep Swinging,

Sampson

About the Author:  Sampson Haywood has been a coach with Above the Net since 2022. He was first an Assistant Coach and then Promoted to Lead Coach.  He is an avid traveler having visited over 20 countries across 4 continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.  A recent graduate from Union Grove High School, Sampson finished in the top 10% of his class and earned the high distinction of summa cum laude with a 4.3 GPA after an intense curriculum of Honors and Advanced Placement classes.

Sampson’s achievements extend far beyond the classroom. He was active in the Future Business Leaders of America Club and the Beta Club and played trumpet in the band through his Sophomore year.  He was nominated by the Union Grove High School Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program and accepted the role of being a mentor for students at East Lake Elementary.

In addition to his club activities, Sampson is an avid tennis player.  He was recently named Henry County’s Tennis Player of the Year, and he’s been a devoted mentor through his coaching work with Above the Net.  He was Captain and top spot Line One Singles Player of the Varsity tennis team his junior and senior years, after earning a position on the Varsity team as a freshman.  His high school team won Regionals, each of his four years and made it to the Final Eight in the State.  In addition, Sampson has twice won the prestigious Wolverine Award presented to the student that exhibits leadership, academic excellence, athletic prowess, and spirit of helpfulness and concern for his fellow students. 

This fall, Sampson will attend the University of Georgia, where he plans to major in Finance. His goal is to use his education to create ethical, impactful change in the business world—and to give back to the communities that helped shape him.

We, at Above the Net, thank him for his service and wish him all the best as he begins his next chapter.

Ready to start or continue your tennis journey? Check out our programs at www.abovethenettennis.org or follow us on social media!