Mount Pleasant Honors Tennis Star Shelby Rogers with Celebration and Commendations

Mount Pleasant Celebrates Local Tennis Star, Shelby Rogers

MOUNT PLEASANT – In a heartwarming ceremony that revealed just how much this charming town values its local heroes, Shelby Rogers, renowned tennis star and recent U.S. Open retiree, was honored with the keys to Mount Pleasant on November 21. With a cheeky smile, Rogers innocently asked, “What can I use these for?” Little did she know, the town itself has been a major key to her success throughout her career.

From the Playground to the Pro Circuit

As Shelby stood proudly before her friends, family, and the entire community, the proud 32-year-old reminisced about her early days playing tennis in her hometown. “It’s where I started,” she shared, as children were busy practicing their skills at the Mount Pleasant Tennis Complex. “If I wasn’t from here, I would not have had the career I’ve had.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Mayor Will Haynie who declared November 23 as “Shelby Rogers Day” in celebration of her remarkable achievements. Rogers, who achieved professional status at the tender age of 17, not only captured the hearts of her community but also inspired countless aspiring athletes across the nation.

Looking to the Future

The excitement didn’t stop there! The town has plans to name a tennis court after Rogers at the Whipple Road complex. This court will serve as a lasting tribute to her journey and as a motivator for future generations of tennis enthusiasts. Rogers shared with joy, “I spent a lot of time here at Whipple Road, running around the courts and the fields, playing tag.”

A Giant on the Court

Shelby’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. With career earnings exceeding $5.6 million, she reached a career-high ranking of No. 30 on the WTA Tour in August 2022. Throughout her impressive career, she earned a reputation as a giant-killer, famously defeating Tennis Giants like Serena Williams and Ash Barty. Her resilience shone through when she reached the quarterfinals of prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Open and the French Open.

Even before turning pro, Shelby was no stranger to tennis. In her younger days, she worked as a ballkid at the Family Circle Cup, now known as the Credit One Charleston Open, participating a whopping 13 times in the tournament! It’s as if the game was woven into her very fabric from an early age.

A New Chapter Awaits

After retiring after this year’s U.S. Open in August, Rogers is now looking ahead. She has made a name for herself as a sports analyst, and tennis enthusiasts can look forward to seeing her at the Charleston Open next year, where she plans to provide expert commentary.

A Community United in Pride

The ceremony was filled with touching moments, including the presence of her first coach, Bryan Minton, who introduced her to the sport at just seven years old. “The first day I saw her, I told the tennis director, ‘This girl has some potential, do you mind if I take her under my wing?’” Minton recalled with pride.

From humble beginnings to international fame, Shelby Rogers has achieved greatness while keeping her roots firmly in Mount Pleasant. As her community continues to celebrate her legacy, it serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of determination, hard work, and generous support from one’s hometown.

So here’s to our hometown hero, Shelby Rogers – may your new keys open up more wonderful doors to success and happiness! The future looks bright!