LADY JACKETS ARE STATE CHAMPS!

The Lady Jacket tennis team served up history May 13, defeating Model 3-0 to capture the Class A Division I State Tennis Championship. With poise, determination, and dominant play across the courts, Jeff Davis clinched the title in impressive fashion against the Lady Blue Devils.
Senior Cori Mims set the tone early at the No. 1 singles position, becoming the first Lady Jacket off the court. Mims delivered a commanding performance against Baylen Robinson, winning 6-1, 6-0 to secure the opening point for Jeff Davis.
At No. 2 singles, Lila Rayne Walters continued the momentum with a strong showing of her own, defeating Olivia Peek 6-3, 6-0 to put the Lady Jackets one point away from the championship.
The title-clinching victory came from the No. 1 doubles team of Ava Coleman and Kylie Ross, who battled to a 6-3, 6-4 win and sealed the state championship for Jeff Davis.
The Lady Jackets showed depth from top to bottom, as both the No. 3 singles (Ryleigh King) and No. 2 doubles lines (Rowan Fisher and Caylin Carter) were leading when the team erupted in celebration following the championship-clinching point.
This marked the Lady Jackets’ fourth consecutive appearance in the state championship match and their second state title during that stretch, having previously won the championship in 2023.
It was a special full-circle moment for seniors Cori Mims and Ava Coleman, who were freshmen on the 2023 championship team. In that title match, Mims secured the championship-winning point for Jeff Davis, while Coleman delivered the match-clinching victory in the 2026 finals — a fitting ending to their remarkable high school careers.
Coach Mary Katherine Brown reflected on the season with immense pride and gratitude, praising a team she described as “special from day one.” Throughout the year, the Lady Jackets poured countless hours into preparation, sharpening their skills and building the chemistry and resilience that carried them to one of the program’s most memorable seasons.
“I could not be more proud of these girls,” Brown said. “They have spent countless hours on the court preparing for this moment. They are dedicated, talented, and tenacious competitors who play this game with so much heart.”
When asked when she realized this team had the potential to compete at such a high level, Brown’s answer remains simple and unwavering.
“The expectation is set on day one of practice every season,” she said. “I always tell them, if you’re going to do something, don’t do it halfway.”
That mindset became the foundation of the Lady Jackets’ success. Before every match, Brown challenged her players with the same question: “What’s the expectation?” Time and time again, the response was clear — to compete with excellence, passion, and determination.
Even in difficult moments, Brown said the team continually showed the grit and composure that championship-caliber programs are built upon.
“When they have a bad day, they find a way and figure it out,” Brown said. “That’s what makes this group so special. I hope they are learning so much more here than just tennis.”
While the season may have come to a close, the standard inside the Jeff Davis program remains unchanged. Brown noted that preparations for next season are already underway, with the same commitment to excellence leading the way.
As for the seniors departing the program, Brown said their impact on Jeff Davis Tennis will not soon be forgotten.
“They have most definitely left a legacy here at Jeff Davis Tennis, and they will always be part of our tennis family,” Brown said. “I can’t thank them enough for the years, dedication, and time they have poured into this program. I hope they carry those same expectations and values with them into the next chapter of their lives.”