Born on July 5, 1991, Danyelle Sherese Copeland was a beacon of light in the Thomasville community. As the eldest of seven siblings, she embodied leadership and compassion from a young age. Her unwavering faith in God was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her.​​

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​As a child, Danyelle was introduced to tennis and participated in numerous tournaments throughout her teenage years and played at the collegiate level, where she was instrumental in leading her team to multiple conference championships. Danyelle's passion for tennis was unparalleled. A dedicated player and PTR-certified instructor, she believed in the transformative power of the sport. Her mission was to make tennis accessible to everyone, leading her to establish her own tennis LLC aptly named "Growing the Game." Through this venture, she tirelessly worked to introduce tennis to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that the joy and discipline of the game could be experienced by many.​

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Beyond the tennis courts, Danyelle was deeply committed to her community. Her love for people was evident in every interaction, as she consistently sought ways to uplift and support those around her. Whether through organizing local events, mentoring young athletes, or simply offering a listening ear, Danyelle's impact was profound and far-reaching.​

While her physical presence is deeply missed, her spirit and legacy continue to resonate. The Danyelle Copeland Scholarship was created to honor her legacy and continue to share her story, her love for the sport, and above all, her love for Jesus. This scholarship aims to support high school tennis players who not only excel on the court but also embody the character and community spirit that Danyelle exemplified.​ 

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As you consider applying for this scholarship, we encourage you to reflect on Danyelle's values and how they align with your own journey. Through this initiative, we hope to continue "growing the game" and nurturing individuals who, like Danyelle, are passionate about tennis, devoted to their faith, and committed to making a positive difference in their communities.​

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Performance: Must have and maintain a 3.2 GPA

• High School Senior

• Tennis Experience:

  • Public School Students: Played at least two years on a varsity tennis team, including senior year – or one year on varsity plus USTA tournaments

  • Homeschooled Students: Competed in at least six USTA tournaments over two years

• Residency: Must reside in South Georgia

• College Commitment: Must be attending a four-year college or trade school.

Please complete the form and answer the following questions in your video submission:

What inspired you to start playing tennis, and how has it influenced your life?

Can you share a specific moment on the court that taught you an important life lesson?

How do you balance academics and athletics, and what motivates you to excel in both?

In what ways do you demonstrate sportsmanship and leadership both on and off the court?

How has tennis shaped your character, and how do you plan to give back to the community through the sport?

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APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025