THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 31, 1995 TAG: 9510310425
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
She doesn't have much of a tennis background, calling her own playing experience ``mimimal.'' She'll rarely offer strategic advice during changeovers, and wouldn't dream of talking to her top players about stroke mechanics.
Yet none of this has stopped First Colonial's Sharon Conyers from compiling the most remarkable records of any coach in the area.
Conyers, nearing the end of her 22nd season, has led Patriots teams to a 251-35 mark heading into today's Group AAA state tournament quarterfinal match against Mills Godwin at 10 a.m. at First Colonial. The record includes 13 district titles, 10 regional crowns and two state championships.
``The girls have built up a great tradition here,'' Conyers said.
The unassuming Conyers, who played field hockey at Old Dominion University in 1965-66 and began at First Colonial as a field hockey and gymnastics coach before taking over the tennis program in 1976, would be the last person to claim credit for the team's stunning success over the years.
And, actually, given the number of thoroughbred players who have walked the halls of First Colonial over the years, the Patriots would field strong teams if Daffy Duck were in charge.
But the players say Conyers' easygoing nature and motivational skills have created an environment that allows them to excel.
``She's a really nice lady,'' Patriots No. 2 player Laura Bridges said. ``She's really good about helping us stay positive.''
Conyers' ability to keep the team upbeat came in handy two weeks ago prior to the Eastern Region final against rival Cox.
``A lot of people were kind of jumpy,'' No. 1 player Mily Kannarkat said. ``She settled us down, and we went out and played really well (Patriots 7, Cox 2).
That Kannarkat is playing high school tennis at all is another indication that Conyers' hands-off approach might be just the ticket at a talent-rich school.
Kannarkat, a national-caliber player, gets her instruction elsewhere and might chafe under a high school coach who insisted on putting their own stamp on the Kannarkat game.
With Conyers, however, there's no danger of that.
``I put players like that in the advanced placement category,'' said Conyers, who has also coached top players like former touring pro Julie Shiflet, Laurie Shiflet and Ann Howard. ``They're a little bit above everyone else in ability, so you don't make them come to practice every day. You understand that sometimes, they need to play against someone who can make them better.''
Another of Conyers' strengths is the ability to match doubles teams, and she took pride in the fact that two First Colonial teams reached the regional doubles final.
This doubles depth figures to be needed today against Mills Godwin, which prevailed, 5-4, when the teams met earlier this season. The difference: a three-set Mills Godwin victory at third doubles. ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTOPHER RIDDICK
The Virginian-Pilot
First Colonial tennis coach Sharon Conyers has a 251-35 record.
``The girls have built up a great tradition here,'' Conyers said.
by CNB