Aiken High’s Alex Hammel signs to Erskine College for reviving men’s tennis program

Feb. 25—AIKEN — Aiken High’s Steve Smith, boys and girls tennis coach, said he knew when he met Alex Hammel during his freshman year that the student athlete had the potential to reach greatness.

In a full circle moment, Smith was one of multiple proud witnesses as Hammel signed to play for Erskine College’s men’s tennis program which took a six-year hiatus following its 2018 season but is returning in full swing for the 2025-26 season.

“I could tell from the beginning that he’s very serious about tennis, he’s very intense…he’s had his ups and downs but I always knew that he was going to work hard,” Smith said. “He’s grown as a player and in life…it’s great to see that. That’s what you want to see in an athlete. I think he’s going to be well-equipped for the future.”

Hammel shared after his Feb. 24 signing that he was able to get a taste of Erskine after being invited to a college prospect day by its men’s tennis coach, Matt Shumate.

“Everyone was just really close with each other and they were like family, so I decided that’s where I wanted to be,” he said.

“It feels great,” he said about officially signing to the university. “I’m ready to take the steps. There’s always that nervousness, but I’m mainly excited and I’m really ready.”

“I know I’m not going to be the best player on the court because we have a lot of really good players that have committed, but I know that I bring a lot of leadership and accountability and energy,” Hammel said. “So I think that’s what’s going to bring the team together and make a family.”

The athlete, supported during his signing by parents Chris Hammel and Tasha Davis, said that he’ll miss the challenge of playing alongside competitors such as South Aiken High alongside his friends and teammates.

“We play a lot of tough competition,” he said. “When you play against tough competition, it makes you a better player.

“I’m ready to see what this year has in store,” he added.