Mark Carnes Named Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach

Mark Hodgin Carnes joins the staff at Columbia College (SC) as the Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach.

Carnes joins the Koala staff after providing individual and group tennis lessons throughout Sumter, SC, and Columbia, SC for the past six years (2015-2021). During his time in Sumter and Columbia, Carnes not only focused on making the athletes stronger and more agile competitors on the court, but also served as a mentor in all aspects of their lives to help them be successful off the court.

A Sumter, SC native, Carnes was a scholarship player for one season at Limestone College in Gaffney, SC, before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where he received his degree in Political Science in December 2020.

"My family and I are excited and looking forward to being a part of the Koala family," said Carnes.

Carnes, who was introduced to the game of tennis by his father and grandfather at the age of four, has competed in local, state, regional, and national tennis tournaments for 17+ years. He has represented South Carolina in the Southern Tennis Tournaments for the 12, 14, 16, and 18's age groups. During that time, Carnes won three doubles titles and placed in the top 10 for nine years at the Belton Qualifying Tournament.

In addition, Carnes was chosen for and competed in the National Zonal Tennis Teams for the 12, 14, and 16's age groups. He was a member of the 18U Advanced National Tennis Team for three consecutive years. In 2014, he won the individual state and regional tournament and was a member of the team that captured fourth at the 2014 USTA Junior Team Tennis 18-and-Under Advanced National Championships.

Carnes' grandfather Charles Hodgin was a legendary player and tennis coach in Sumter, SC and both he and his uncle, Chuck Hodgin, are both members of the SC Tennis Hall of Fame.