Coach Cabana’s Champion Career

Though many coaches at Charlotte Catholic have strengthened their players’ bodies and sharpened their minds, few have been as successful as Coach Jo Cabana. Though she has established her legacy at Charlotte Catholic through her English teaching, Coach Cabana has also shined through her impressive coaching career.

Coach Cabana recently clinched her 900th career win as a coach in the NCHSAA state playoffs. Additionally, her induction into the National High School Tennis Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame elevates her to one of the sport’s greatest high school coaches of all time.

“Coach Cabana’s coaching style is all about the mental game,” said sophomore Liam Ryan, who plays on the varsity tennis team. “She always reminds us to do whatever it takes to keep ourselves composed in a tough situation and is very insightful. Whether observing other players or ourselves to look for areas to improve, we can stay locked in thanks to her support.”

Liam added, “I think her 900th career win is a milestone achievement, and I believe that few will experience that as a coach of any sport.” He described Coach Cabana as a driving force behind the team’s success.

“I grew up playing tennis with my siblings, and first began coaching when I moved to Florida in 1995,” said Coach Cabana. Her first role as a coach was at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Then, she moved to North Carolina and taught at Cardinal Gibbons High School, where she reached a record of 167-3 and won eight state championships for the men’s team. She also reached a record of 164-7 and won seven state championships for the women’s team.

Coach Cabana’s impressive resume makes her an active coach with one of the highest win totals in the nation, according to the North Carolina High School Tennis Coaches Association.

Even though her career stretches many years, Coach Cabana still looks back at individual moments that brought her joy. One of her best coaching memories was when her son and daughter competed at the same state tournament. “Both the men’s tournament and the women’s tournament were held at the same facility. I enjoyed watching my son and daughter compete,” she said. Another of Coach Cabana’s favorite moments was the match in which she reached 900 career wins. In this playoff match against Lake Norman, the Lady Cougars won 5-4.

Throughout her career, Coach Cabana has been seen as a mentor and a source of wisdom for the players she has coached. The Charlotte Catholic tennis program continues to shine under her leadership, and her players look forward to their next season.

Coach Cabana (third from the right) stands with her fellow inductees (Credit: Wingate University)