Salem College’s No. 1 doubles team, Charlee Green and Kasia Williams, faced a challenging match against Piedmont University’s top team, ultimately losing 2–6 in a tough match that tested both their chemistry and resilience on the court. Despite the loss, Green and Williams continue to demonstrate why they hold the top doubles spot for Salem. In an interview conducted by yours truly, the duo emphasized that their connection goes beyond just tennis strategy. “I think we both just walk around with a really positive attitude and we keep our positive energy throughout the whole game, which helps keep it fun,” Green shared. “On top of that, Kasia is really easy to be around.” Their ability to stay upbeat has been a defining strength for them, even in difficult matches, such as the one mentioned. While Piedmont stayed up most of the match, Salem’s pair remained positive and supportive of each other throughout.
A key aspect of their success as a team is communication, though it is not always constant. “Charlee and I, we don’t talk a lot,” Williams explained. “We talk when we’re serving or if one of us sets the point up in a way that we didn’t mean to. We take a lot of accountability.” This accountability, she says, helps them stay constructive instead of critical during matches. The match also highlighted the mental adjustments required when balancing both singles and doubles matches. “I think I go on knowing that during doubles, I have someone else on the court with me,” Green said. “However, when walking into singles, it’s just me. So I know I have to really lock in and focus, and stay calm and controlled.”
Off the court, their friendship strengthens their on-court performance. “We hang out, we have fun, just doing different non-tennis activities, like team bonding,” Green shared. Their connection shows in their teamwork, from practice sessions, where they admit to “goofing around” and working on lobs, to small traditions like a mid-match handshake. Even in defeat, both players reflected on what they’ve learned from each other. “Being Charlee’s doubles partner, I definitely learned how to be more consistent and take accountability,” Williams said.
While the 2–6 loss to Piedmont may not reflect the outcome Salem hoped for, it serves as another step in the growth of a doubles team built on trust, positivity, and a mutual respect for each other. With their strong partnership and mindset, Green and Williams are a really valuable addition to Salem College’s tennis team as the season continues.
