Georgia Tennis Mourns the Loss of Former Star Lilly Kimbell

The death of Lilly Kimbell, a former University of Georgia tennis standout, has shocked the tennis community. She was 31 years old. Her family shared her sad Facebook tribute that she had suffered from kidney disease which led to her death. “massive heart attack.” Despite all efforts to save her, including CPR at the hospital and home, she was finally taken off life support.

Lilly’s sister Samantha Gillas posted to Facebook on February 6th, “Yesterday heaven gained another angel. My sister Lilly passed away. She had some kidney issue we don’t know how it happened but ended up with a massive heart attack. Her brain was without oxygen for too long and we had to let her go yesterday.”

Lilly’s impact on the Georgia tennis program was immense. Jeff Wallace, Head Coach of the Georgia Tennis Team, expressed his sorrow at Lilly’s passing and remembered her extraordinary attitude and work ethic which helped to create a culture of excellence.

Georgia’s head coach made a statement.  Jeff Wallace expressed his sorrow at the terrible loss, saying: “I will always remember how she helped create a culture of excellence with her attitude and work ethic. Lilly was a fantastic teammate who always smiled and laughed during practice and matches. She ranks as one of the most successful doubles players in Georgia tennis history.”

Lilly is known for her infectious smile, laughter, and she was one of the greatest doubles players in Georgia tennis history. With Maho Kowase as her partner, Lilly holds the school record for consecutive doubles victories in a single season. She also was part of four NCAA quarterfinalists teams.

Kimbell, a native of New Braunfels, Texas, was a standout tennis player during her college years, significantly impacting her team’s success. From 2011 to 2014, she was part of the tennis teams, which saw her record 197 wins in total, including 109 doubles wins and 88 singles victories.

Kimbell played an integral role in her team’s achievements, including being part of the SEC Tournament Championship team in 2014, which finished with a record of 24-5, and the SEC Championship team in 2013, which went 24-4. Kimbell was also part of four teams that reached the NCAA Quarterfinals. This is a testimony to her competitive spirit and skill.

Kimbell’s personal achievements were also noteworthy. In 2012 and 2014 she was selected to the SEC All-Tournament teams. As a senior, Kimbell had a remarkable record of 30-8 singles. She also earned the title of ITA Regional Most Improved Junior of the Year.

She has also been a formidable doubles player. She won the 2011 ITA Southeast Regional Doubles Championship as a freshman with Chelsey Gullickson. Kimbell is the record holder for most consecutive doubles wins per season with 22 wins along Kowase in 2012. With a 109-3 record and seventh in doubles wins per season (32-5 in 2012), she ranks fourth in career victories.

Lilly was an outstanding student and athlete, in addition to her athletic accomplishments. graduating with a Bachelor’s degree She graduated in 2014 with a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. She then earned her Master’s in Sport Management in 2016.

Her impact on the court will be remembered by the tennis community. She is fourth in the University of Georgia’s career doubles wins and seventh in doubles wins per season.

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