Laurens District 55 High School Raider Tennis Team & community remember the legacy of Abby Davis

The Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) Raider Tennis Team, Laurens tennis community, and the friends and family of Abby Davis gathered on August 25, 2026, at the LDHS Tennis Court to remember the legacy of Abby Katherine Davis, a former Raider student-athlete who tragically passed away over a year ago. Current Head Coach Lynne Todd was a volunteer coach during Abby’s years in Raider Tennis. Todd strongly believes that Abby was a model student-athlete, whose good character and positive qualities should always be remembered. Coach Todd hopes that a bench dedicated in loving memory of Abby will spark inspiration for upcoming and current Raider Tennis athletes and other athletes.

Abby graduated from LDHS in May 2020 and had a great academic and athletic record. She came to Raider Tennis as a seventh grader. She was a beginner, but immediately began working to get better — practicing, taking lessons, challenging herself.

Coaches remember Abby’s quick growth as a new player. Every week she improved, and as she improved, her understanding of the game also grew. She was strategic and was always thinking about the next shot, anticipating what her opponent would do in response. In a span of 6 years, Abby worked her way up to number one by her senior year. Among her accomplishments were being named 2018-2019 Most Valuable Player and becoming an All-Region Athlete.

Abby is also known for how she embraced the team. Her high-quality traits include determination. She was determined to improve as an individual and determined to show love and support for tennis and her teammates.

“Her traits reflect the best of Raider Tennis. She represents our love of our sport and our love for each other,” said David Corley, Abby’s Head Tennis Coach in 7th, 8th and 9th grades.

The bench dedication ceremony was brief but heartfelt. Attendees of the event included Abby’s parents- Jennifer and Greg Davis, Abby’s tennis coaches and volunteer coaches – David Corley, Susan Youmans (Head Coach, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years), Lynne Todd, and Scott Horner (Volunteer Coaches, 7th- 12th). Laurens County School District 55 Board Chair Cathy Little, Athletics Director Tommy Spires, and LDHS Principal Compton were among the many in attendance.

Jennifer Davis shared, “Laurens School District 55 and the Laurens High School tennis team helped Abby grow academically and athletically. She formed lasting friendships and made so many wonderful memories that we will always cherish. We love and miss Abby more than words could ever express, and it means so much to know that her memory continues to be honored in a place that was such an important part of her life. We are incredibly thankful for the love and support shown to our family by the school district, tennis team, and our entire community.”