Former University of Georgia tennis player Lilly Kimbell, a graduate student in the Class of 2014, died Sunday at the age of 31.
“We are devastated and heartbroken to learn of Lily’s death,” Georgia head coach Jeff Wallace said. “I will always remember how her attitude and work ethic helped create a culture of excellence. Lily was a fantastic teammate who was always smiling and laughing throughout practices and matches. She is considered the most successful in Georgia tennis history One of the best doubles players. In the spring of her sophomore year, she was undefeated in doubles with Maho (Kowatase), and her 22-game winning streak is still a school record. Our thoughts and prayers are placed on her family.”
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A native of New Braunfels, Texas, Kimbell was a member of the 2011-2014 tennis team with a total of 197 victories — 109 doubles and 88 singles. Kimbell was part of the 2014 SEC Championship team that finished 24-5, as well as the 2013 SEC Championship team that went 24-4. She was part of four teams that reached the NCAA quarterfinals. Kimbell was an All-SEC selection in 2012 and 2014. As a senior, Kimbell went 30-8 in singles and was named ITA District Most Improved Senior of the Year. As a freshman, Kimbell won the 2011 ITA Southeast Regional Tag Team Championship with Chelsey Gullickson.
She holds the record for most consecutive doubles wins in a single season — 22 with Ose in 2012, fourth in career doubles wins at 109-31 and 32-5 in 2012 seventh.
Kimbell earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family science in 2014 and a master’s degree in sports management in 2016 while working in the athletic department. After finishing his career with the Bulldogs, Kimbell worked as an assistant tennis coach at Eastern Illinois and St. Mary’s College in San Antonio. She has also worked at Addison Group, Supreme Lending, and Paycom, all of which are headquartered in the Dallas area.