Brady Hobbs doesn't say much. He doesn't need to.

The Southport junior has spent three years in the boys tennis program. He's played wherever the Cardinals have needed him, worked through lineup changes and grown into a player his teammates trust.

This fall, they unanimously voted him team captain.

Hobbs' path to that role started as a freshman, when he was thrown straight into varsity competition at No. 1 and No. 2 singles. Coach Thorpe remembers him as a quiet freshman who was simply eager to play.

That first season gave Hobbs experience that would become important a year later. When head coach Isaul Martinez took over the program, Hobbs was one of only two returning players.

But he wasn't going to stay at No. 1 singles.

A freshman took over the top spot, moving Hobbs to No. 2. Martinez said Hobbs handled the change well. He focused on getting better while also pushing the team's new No. 1 player.

Hobbs finished his sophomore season 7-14 overall, including a 7-2 record against county opponents. It was the second-best record on the team, and Martinez started to see more from him than just his play on the court.

"Brady was definitely quiet, but he spoke up and was a leader on the team," Martinez said.

Back to No. 1

This season brought another change.

Southport's returning No. 1 singles player suffered an injury that forced him to miss the entire season. Hobbs was asked to move back into the top spot.

He didn't let it bother him.

Now a junior, Hobbs is 5-8 overall and 5-4 against county opponents. Playing No. 1 means getting the best singles player from the other team every night. Martinez said many of Hobbs' losses have been close, while his wins have been convincing.

But his record isn't why Martinez nominated him for a Cardinal Sports Network feature.

"He's shown growth and leadership in all aspects of his game," Martinez said. "He pushes his coaches and teammates to be better. Leads by example and owns his shortcomings."

That leadership isn't always easy to notice from the stands.

Hobbs is still the quiet player his coaches remember from freshman year. But now he's also the player checking on teammates and setting an example for the rest of the team.

That's where the nickname fits.

"The Silent Captain," as Martinez calls him.

Three years ago, Hobbs was a freshman trying to find his place on the varsity team.

Now he's the most experienced Cardinal on it. And he doesn't have to say much for his teammates to follow his lead.