Shown, from left to right, seated:, Jennifer Mosteller, mother; Drew Mosteller; and Hal Mosteller, father, standiing, NMHS coach Nick Ross; DS coaches Zack Rogers and Michel Bates; and NMHS coach Amanda Bynum.
North Murray High School is losing the only tennis most valuable player in the school’s four-year history. The Mountaineer’s loss is Dalton State’s gain.
A crowd of family, friends, teammates, and coaches gathered Friday afternoon for a signing party in the NMHS media center.
Dalton State coaches Michel Bates and Zach Rogers say they are happy to have such an outstanding scholar athlete on their roster.
“The fact that North Murray has just named their MVP award after him speaks volumes as far as his character,” said Bates. “I’m very excited for him. I think this is a great opportunity,” she added.
“Drew is a great kid,” Rogers said. “We’re happy to have him be a part of the program and to have another local product to come in and help build the program. We hope to continue to bring in local talent to be a part of the program as we build it.”
NMHS coaches Andrea Bynum and Nick Ross know what they will be missing, but they believe Mosteller’s leadership should help underclassmen as they step up and fill the gap.
“Drew is the ultimate competitor,” said Ross. “He always wanted to win, but he was also a true leader,” he added. “He has always taken things the right way in practice and on the court.”
“Tennis really brings out great character,” Ross told the gathering. “We are really proud of Drew and proud that he is going to continue his career at Dalton State. I hate to see him go, but we know that he left us a legacy.”
“Since his freshman year, he has been the backbone of both teams,” said Bynum. “Dalton State is not only getting a great player but a great person. Win or lose, he always has a positive attitude.”
Bynum said Mosteller always gives his all on the court, but doesn’t trash talk. “Drew never runs his mouth,” she said. “He always lets his raquet do the talking.” She said the future Roadrunner is also an inspiration to his teammates. “When his teammates find themselves in a tough spot, Drew always has something positive to say.”
“Drew didn’t need much coaching during his high school career,” Bynum added. “But when he did he was always responsive to everything I told him. Drew is a great player with great character. Dalton State is not only getting a great player but a great person."
Mosteller has played number one singles for The Mountaineers since the team was started in 2010. His overall high school record was 43-11. “We are going to miss him,” Bynum said. “But we are very proud of his accomplishments.”
Drew is the son of Jennifer and Hal Mosteller of Chatsworth. His two older sisters, Krista Paige and Victoria Mosteller, are both school teachers.