The South Carolina Tennis Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 college scholarships. This year, four exceptional senior high school student-athletes were selected for their academic achievement, tennis participation, leadership, character, and commitment to serving others.
Each recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship to support their continued education. While their experiences with tennis are unique, all four students share an understanding that the lessons learned on the court extend far beyond competition.
Carly Anthony
Foster Family Scholarship
Carly Anthony, a Heritage Academy student from Hilton Head Island, will attend Furman University.
Through tennis, Carly developed the confidence to embrace challenges, lead others, and take advantage of new opportunities. She has also shared her love of the sport by coaching younger players and encouraging the next generation.
“Tennis taught me to embrace every challenge, lead with confidence, and focus on the next point in life.”
Ashwin Subramanian Chidambaram
Lucy Garvin Scholarship
Ashwin Subramanian Chidambaram is a graduate of Lexington High School and will attend the University of South Carolina Honors College.
Ashwin’s lifelong passion for tennis helped inspire his goal of becoming a sports medicine physician. He hopes to give back to the sport by helping athletes remain healthy, recover from injuries, and perform at their best.
“My dreams have changed, but my passion for tennis never will.”
Ethan Kukkamalla
Randall Heffron Scholarship
Ethan Kukkamalla, a Riverside High School graduate from Greer, will attend New York University this fall.
For Ethan, tennis has been about much more than competition. The sport strengthened the lifelong relationship he shares with his father while teaching him resilience, communication, understanding, and teamwork.
“Tennis became the unspoken language that built an unbreakable bond between my father and me.”
Avery Combs
Jim Russell Scholarship
Avery Combs attended South Carolina Connections Academy and competed for the Conway High School tennis team. She will continue her education at Davidson College.
Through both the victories and disappointments of competition, Avery learned that success is not defined by perfection. Instead, it is built through perseverance, strong character, and a willingness to serve others.
“Tennis taught me that true grit isn’t built through perfection—it’s built by showing up, even when it’s hard.”
Celebrating the Future of South Carolina Tennis
Carly, Ashwin, Ethan, and Avery represent the very best of South Carolina tennis. Their accomplishments demonstrate how the sport can help young people build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, overcome challenges, and discover ways to make a difference.
The South Carolina Tennis Foundation congratulates each of these deserving recipients and wishes them continued success as they begin their college journeys. We look forward to seeing the impact they will make on their campuses, in their communities, and beyond.
