E.C. Glass’ Gianakos named boys tennis player of the year

George Gianakos experienced a senior campaign on the tennis court that was almost too good to be true.

E.C. Glass’s No. 1 seed for the fourth year in a row, and The News & Advance all-area boys tennis player of the year for the third consecutive spring, suffered through the traumatic physical and psychological after-effects of being in a Sept. 27 car crash on Trent’s Ferry Road in Lynchburg that killed senior teammate Nelson James.

He missed the entire winter indoor season as he recovered from a broken ankle and wrist injuries and mourned the loss of his close friend.

Then he picked up his racket and helped lift his team’s spirits, and revive the program, by returning to form for his final season with the Hilltoppers.

Gianakos led Glass to a 13-4 overall record and return bid to the Group AAA team tournament by posting 12-6 singles and 11-4 doubles marks, winning Western Valley District tournament crowns in both and a Northwest Region individual title with No. 1 doubles partner Derek Gale.

“He really didn’t have that much of an off-season at all,” Gale said. “He literally just had to start picking up his racket and getting out here. He’s, by far and away, unbelievable. I’m just out there trying … to help him win.”

“We’re extremely proud of George, to have overcome so much and, as a player, to come through,” Glass first-year coach Tim Matthews added. “He’s George — extremely cool under pressure, and just his ability to not show his emotions on the court.”

Somewhat aloof off the court, Gianakos is like a predator stalking his prey on it, with a stealthy style of play intent on putting his opponent away.

“George has been able to overcome his injuries and been able to just play to the best of his ability and play with the spirit of Nelson and that’s what we’ve asked him to do this year,” Matthews said.

That was especially evident in the Northwest Region individual tournament, when he played six singles and doubles matches in two days, winning all but his singles final.

“The last two days, that’s tough on anybody so I know he’s tired,” Matthews said at the time. “These aren’t just typical matches. You’re playing top of the top and you’re having to play (long points).

“His injuries might have slowed him down a little, but as far as what he’s done now, coming through districts and qualifying for states, I just can’t be more proud of George,” he added. “He’s just done so well.”

“Seeing what George has been able to do after seeing him that (Sept. 28) morning in the hospital to being able to play two straight days of three matches per day, it’s an amazing thing,” Glass girls coach and director of tennis Jill Murray added. “We really didn’t know to what capacity we’d have George back and it’s not a miracle, I guess, but it’s a great thing that he’s got the mindset to do it, and the physical ability.”

Gianakos, who is at a camp in Massachusetts through the end of July, will attend Virginia this fall. Though he has no plans to continue his career at the collegiate level, Matthews is sure tennis will be a lifetime sport for Gianakos.

“He’s not playing for UVa tennis, but I know he’ll keep playing tennis,” he said. “With the skills and ability of George, man, you just want to keep seeing him play and keep seeing him succeed. And that’s something I want to keep up with him and see how he does.”

If he never plays in another competitive tournament, Gianakos can look back on his senior year at Glass with pride.

“He was the leader of the team, our sole captain, and he set an example of how to play, how to overcome a lot of obstacles,” Matthews said. “Having George on the court made everyone play a little better, because he was that much better. It took him a little bit to get it back. He had some matches that he struggled in, but by midseason and toward the end part of the season, he really turned it on. Even he was pleased with how he was playing, which means a lot.”