Spartanburg High School made history Friday night, capturing two South Carolina High School League state championships in the same day for the first time in school history.
The Vikings boys tennis team claimed the SCHSL Class 5A Division I State Championship, defeating Wando High School at the Cayce Tennis Center, while the Lady Vikings lacrosse team defeated Lexington High School 8-4 to earn the first girls lacrosse state championship in program history.
The historic day also marked Spartanburg High School’s first team state championships since 2019, adding even more significance to an unforgettable weekend for Viking athletics and the entire District 7 community.
From Columbia to Cayce, Viking student athletes delivered performances that reflected months and, in many cases, years of dedication, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. The championships represented not only victories on the scoreboard, but the culmination of countless hours of preparation, sacrifice, and belief.
The boys tennis title continued the proud tradition of one of South Carolina’s premier tennis programs. Throughout the season, the Vikings demonstrated consistency, focus, and depth, ultimately finishing their championship run with a thrilling 4-3 state title victory over Wando, one of the state’s most respected tennis programs. The championship match came down to the final courts, with the Vikings showcasing composure and resilience under pressure.
Facing a 1-3 deficit and elimination, the comeback began with senior Thomas Cheek, who delivered a clutch straight-set win to keep Spartanburg alive. Senior Wade Neely followed with a dominant performance to even the match and force a decisive doubles showdown. With the championship hanging in the balance, senior Hudson Chung and Cheek rose to the moment, sealing the state title with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 doubles victory.
The Vikings’ championship run reflected the strength, depth, and composure that defined the team all season long. In his first season leading the program, Head Coach Steven Larkin guided Spartanburg through a remarkable postseason run built on resilience, competitive fire, and belief in one another. The title added another championship chapter to one of the state’s premier tennis traditions and capped a dominant season marked by consistency and the ability to rise in the biggest moments.
At the same time, the Lady Vikings lacrosse team completed a remarkable redemption journey one year after falling short in the state championship game. Determined to finish what they started, the team entered the season motivated by the heartbreak of last year’s loss and united around a shared goal.
Friday night’s championship matchup against Lexington remained tightly contested through three quarters before Spartanburg surged ahead in the fourth quarter, showcasing the grit, composure, and determination that defined the team all season long. The Lady Vikings finished the year by checking off nearly every goal imaginable, winning the region championship, setting program milestones, and ultimately bringing home the first state title in program history.
The victory was also fueled by a dominant defensive effort. Lexington entered the championship averaging 18 goals per game this season, but Spartanburg’s defense held the Wildcats to just four goals, including an incredible 21-minute scoreless stretch. The defensive unit was anchored by senior goalie Abby Hampton and senior midfielder Saffy Evans, whose leadership and composure helped set the tone throughout the night.
Senior attacker Addie Usry led the Vikings with three goals, while senior midfielder Virginia Delaney added two. Senior attacker Evers Morris also found the back of the net in the championship victory.
For many of the seniors, Friday’s win was the culmination of years spent building not just a successful team, but a lasting legacy.
For the Lady Vikings, the championship represented more than a single victory. It was the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and unwavering trust in one another. Many of the players on this year’s roster have grown up together through youth and travel lacrosse, building friendships and chemistry long before stepping onto the varsity field.
The lacrosse victory also carried special meaning for families who helped grow the sport in Spartanburg nearly a decade ago. In 2016, parents Mary Elizabeth Evans and Katherine Barre helped establish a girls youth lacrosse feeder program in District 7, introducing young athletes to the game and helping create opportunities for girls to learn and compete at an early age.
Now, nearly ten years later, their daughters were part of the team that delivered Spartanburg High School’s first girls lacrosse state championship, a full-circle moment made even more meaningful on Mother’s Day weekend.
“This has been a dream our seniors have talked about since they were 13,” said Head Coach Aubrie Lauderdale-Clarke. “I witnessed firsthand the work they’ve put in to get to this point. Last year, we came up a little short. But our locker room was always confident that this year was ours.”
Together, the two championships marked a milestone moment for Spartanburg High School athletics and a powerful reminder of the excellence, tradition, and pride that continue to define Viking Nation. From championship courts to championship fields, Viking athletes delivered a weekend that reflected the heart, determination, and spirit of District 7. It was a historic day for Spartanburg High School, one that players, coaches, families, and fans will remember for years to come and another reminder that when our students compete with passion, resilience, and pride, 7Shines brighter than ever.
photo credits: Larkin Visuals and Alex Martin, Greenville News