Spartanburg Day School

Spartanburg Day School is turning to a Spartanburg native and former NCAA Division I standout to lead the next chapter of Griffin tennis, announcing Maggie Cubitt Watson as its new boys and girls tennis program head.

Watson, who competed at Louisiana State University and the College of Charleston during her collegiate career, will take the reins of the program from legendary longtime coach Bob Allsbrook. She will also join the Spartanburg Day School faculty as an Upper School history and digital journalism teacher.

Allsbrook is stepping back from his role as tennis program head but will remain an active part of the SDS community and will continue to offer the school’s after-school tennis program for Preschool and Lower School students.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Maggie into this leadership role with Griffins tennis,” said Spartanburg Day School Athletic Director Mike Cerino. “She knows what it takes to compete at a high level, and she brings valuable experience as both a player and coach. She also understands the importance of developing student-athletes beyond wins and losses. Maggie is the right person to build on the tremendous foundation Bob has established while bringing her own vision to the future of our program.”

A Spartanburg native, Watson established herself as a standout junior tennis player before beginning her collegiate career at LSU. She later competed at the College of Charleston, completing a five-year NCAA Division I collegiate tennis career. Watson was a four-time varsity letter recipient.

She previously served as an assistant tennis professional at Mountainbrook Swim and Racquet Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she worked with players of varying ages and skill levels through private and group lessons. Watson provided individualized instruction in technique, strategy and overall performance while also helping organize and lead clinics, camps and other instructional programs.

Her experience as both a collegiate student-athlete and tennis professional will help shape her approach at Spartanburg Day School as she oversees the boys and girls programs.

Watson earned a Master of Arts in communication from the College of Charleston in 2024. She previously earned a Master of Science in marketing with a concentration in digital marketing from LSU and completed a minor in communications.

While stepping away from the day-to-day leadership of the varsity and junior varsity programs, Allsbrook will continue doing what has long been an important part of his work at SDS: introducing younger students to tennis and providing opportunities for them to learn and develop their skills.

“Bob’s impact on tennis at Spartanburg Day School is immeasurable, and we are fortunate that he will continue to be part of our community,” Cerino noted. “This transition allows Bob to continue sharing his love of tennis with our younger students while Maggie steps into the program head role. We are excited about what that means for Griffin tennis at every level.”