Never mind that Oceanside Collegiate Academy quarterback Aiden Manavian is still only a sophomore or that he had the pressure of starting suddenly thrust on him at the end of his freshman year. Sports Illustrated recently named Manavian the 2024 South Carolina Player of the Year. “Aiden is a tremendous leader on and off the field – always one of the first to volunteer to … [Read more...]
The Golden Boot: Charleston Battery’s Top Scorer Nets League MVP
In the early winter of 2023, Charleston Battery head soccer coach Ben Pirmann noted a new name on the roster: Nick Markanich. Remembering that he had arrived out of nowhere one day for tryouts, Pirmann now hoped he would be as good in real games as he had shown in trials. Markanich won’t be with the Battery for the upcoming season, but not because of underperformance. After … [Read more...]
Court On The Coast: Charleston Open Celebrates 25 Years on Daniel Island
North America’s largest women’s only tennis tournament, the Credit One Charleston Open, returns to Daniel Island on March 29 to April 6. The award-winning WTA 500 tournament features some of the top players in the world including Charleston resident, World No. 8 and US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro; World No. 5 and Australian Open champion Madison Keys; World No. 4 and US … [Read more...]
Banner Year: Emma Navarro Named WTA Most Improved Player Of 2024
Charleston’s Emma Navarro recorded the best season of her young and promising professional tennis career in 2024. All of which included achieving her greatest success in a major to date, reaching the US Open semifinals before losing a hard-fought match to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka, 3-6, 6-7 (2). On Dec. 9, the WTA Tour presented the 23-year-old with its Most Improved … [Read more...]
Scouting Report: Girls High School Basketball Preview
The girls high school basketball promises to be an entertaining and competitive one across the East Cooper. As players run laps, sweat through drills and perfect their skills in practice and scrimmage for a late November tip-off, it’s time to review the scouting report of the local talent. Here is a look at five schools and their head coaches, both new and veteran, and their … [Read more...]
Full-court Scoop: Boys High School Basketball Breakdown
The boys high school basketball season might be more exciting than ever before among Lowcountry area high schools. Whether they’re big, small, renowned, climbing or in many cases realigned, teams in and around the East Cooper area think 2025 could be notable for a variety of reasons. Here is a look at five schools and their head coaches, both new and veteran, and their … [Read more...]
Farewell, Mrs. Rogers: Hometown Tennis Star Shelby Rogers Retires
Capping a 15-year professional tennis career, Mount Pleasant native Shelby Rogers competed in her final singles match on the WTA Tour Aug. 27 at iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium against fellow American Jessica Pegula in the U.S. Open’s first round, eventually falling 4-6, 3-6. “It was such an honor to be able to play on Ashe again and have that moment where I’ve had so many … [Read more...]
Gridiron Gurus: Coaching Profiles & Team Previews
Whether it’s a quest to repeat, secure a winning season or plant seeds for future success, high school football teams in and around Mount Pleasant are looking to make 2024 a banner season. Here is a look at the five head coaches of the top-five East Cooper teams -- Wando, Lucy Beckham, Bishop England, Philip Simmons and Oceanside. Some are new and others are veterans, but … [Read more...]
Holy City Tennis Shop: What’s All the Racquet?
Are you looking for a personalized touch when it comes to your tennis equipment and supplies? Holy City Tennis has all that you could want and more to aid in your tennis hours. Daniel DiNardo opened this retail tennis shop over six years ago. He was working at a different tennis shop in town when it closed. He saw the need in the market and decided to open his own three … [Read more...]
The Chill Factor: Emma Navarro’s ‘Even-keeled’ Approach Proves Elite at Wimbledon
It’s an enigma how Charleston’s Emma Navarro is cooler than the other side of the pillow under the brightest lights on the biggest stages. The 23-year-old phenom is harnessing her superpower and it’s an unflappable calmness that has lately given her an edge against the game’s greats. The promised princess of women’s tennis in the Lowcountry, an Ashley Hall graduate and … [Read more...]