Mark Hodgin Carnes is entering his fourth overall season as Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Columbia College (SC), after being hired in the winter of the 2021–22 season.

 

Carnes guided the Koala men’s team to a program-record 8 wins and back to back appearances in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament. Which is also the first men’s athletic team to qualify in school history. The team finished 8–10 overall, marking the best record in school history, and notched multiple wins over NCAA Division II and III opponents. He also coached his first all-conference player, Waldo Bosch, who earned 2nd Team All-AAC and AAC All-Freshman Team honors. 

 

Under his leadership, the women’s team earned 9 wins in the 2024-2025 season, the most wins in school history since 1996 and clinched a spot in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament for the first time since 2017. Also, coached All Conference player, Helena Jokanovic who earned 2nd Team All AAC. Named one of 33 ITA All-Academic Teams in 2024. Additionally, five women and three men earned ITA Scholar-Athlete recognition for their academic excellence. 

 

When Carnes arrived at Columbia College, The program’s 6 courts on campus were unplayable. He spearheaded a full refurbishment project in August 2022, partnering with local contractor Tennico and others to resurface and repaint six courts on campus. The courts were completed and ready for play by the spring of 2023. He was also instrumental in building both men’s and women’s programs from the ground up. Overseeing all aspects of development, recruiting, culture building and competitive growth. 

 

Before joining Columbia College, Carnes spent six years as a professional tennis coach, teaching individual and group tennis lessons across Sumter and Columbia, SC. He focused not only on developing strong, agile athletes but also mentoring them to succeed in life beyond the court. A Sumter native, Carnes began playing tennis at age four, introduced to the sport by his father and grandfather. He played collegiately at NCAA Division II Limestone College before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where he earned his B.A. in Political Science in 2020. 

 

Carnes had a standout junior career, competing in local, state, regional, and national tournaments for over 15 years. He represented South Carolina in the Southern Section championships in the 12U through 18U age divisions, winning three doubles titles and placing in the top 10 for nine years at the prestigious Belton Qualifying Tournament. He also competed on USTA National Zonal Teams and was a member of the 18U Advanced National Tennis Team for three consecutive years. In 2014, he won the individual state and regional titles and helped his team place 4th at the USTA 18U Advanced National Championships.

 

Carnes comes from a proud tennis family. His grandfather, Charles Hodgin—a legendary player and coach in Sumter South Carolina—and his uncle, Chuck Hodgin, are both members of the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame. He lives in Columbia with his wife, Taylor.