BOYS TENNIS: Senior becomes Brown County’s 1st ever individual champion

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After a record setting career as a tennis player for Brown County High School, senior Josh Miller’s season ended earlier this month on an even higher note as the school’s first ever individual tennis sectional champion.

Miller’s season came to an end Oct. 16 after he was defeated by North Posey’s Max Renshaw in 4-6, 0-6 loss at the Bedford North Lawrence individual tennis regional.

“Even in the loss, Josh has taken a step that no other individual or team — boys or girls — has ever accomplished,” Coach Kevin Roush said of Miller being named an individual tennis champion.

“This championship is accredited to not only Josh’s hard work and dedication, but his incredibly positive attitude and passionate love of the game.”

Miller beat Bedford North Lawrence’s Steven Graham 6-3, 6-3 to advance in the individual singles tournament. He was then named the sectional champion, securing a spot in the regional.

Roush said that Miller’s character really “comes to light in the support that he gives to his fellow athletes in all sports.”

“Which makes him a true ambassador for the Brown County High School athletic department,” Roush said.

“It has been a true honor and pleasure to have coached such an incredible athlete.”

Roush said he has coached great players over the past 18 years as tennis coach and Miller is “definitely” in that group.

He leaves the program with a 75-32 record and was part of a 20 win season. He was named Most Valuable Player twice and has been an All-Conference athlete.

Josh Miller returns a shot during the Eagles' match against Northview Aug. 21. Kevin Roush | Submitted
Josh Miller returns a shot during the Eagles’ match against Northview in August. Kevin Roush | Submitted

“It is not his ability to play tennis that our program will miss the most, albeit that is a really impressive record, it is his leadership and work ethic,” Roush said.

“He was a true extension of a coach during both matches and practice. He would work with the younger players and help inspire them to become not only better players, but even better ambassadors of the game and BCHS. I hope these players realize how special a player and teammate Josh was to them. I hope, and expect, them to pay it forward.”

Miller joined the tennis team as the third Miller family tennis player with brother Nathan and Hallee both playing before him. His father Thom was also a volunteer tennis assistant coach during his time on the team.

“I’ve really enjoyed assisting with the boys team these past few years. I’ve enjoyed working with coach Roush and the team, and I’m grateful to have been able to help coach Josh,” Thom said.

“He is a great role model and a hard worker with a positive attitude. He is a great kid on and off the court and I’m really proud of him.”

Roush said from an early age he could tell Josh had an “enormous amount of potential.”

“He loved the game, but his fun loving attitude of other things was there too. I really can’t even imagine the amount of hours he spent playing tennis or the number of balls he has hit, but I will say it is a really, really large number,” Roush said.

“I also feel that he enjoyed spending time with his friends and working with his dad, Coach Thom Miller, during camps and clinics. Josh also was the first one to greet and thank some of his biggest fans — both sets of his grandparents — after every match. That alone is bigger than the game itself.”

Roush said it is special for Josh to be the tennis team’s first sectional winner after years getting close to the title.

“What he has done is validate the Brown County tennis program and hopefully inspire more to do the same,” Roush said.

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