AWT TENNIS: USJ's Hockaday finished career at state

Tori Hockaday has consistently made annual appearances representing University School of Jackson in the Division II-A state singles tournament as an individual, but she never had the opportunity to play in the team semifinals.

That has been something that Hockaday has worked toward since her freshman year.

As a senior, her worked paid off as she helped lead the Lady Bruins to the semifinals of the Division II-A state team tournament. Hockaday also reached the state semifinals in the singles tournament to be named The Jackson Sun's Female Tennis Player of the Year.

"It was amazing to go as a team," Hockaday said. "We have grown closer as a team this season.

"It was special to end my senior year with my team at state. It was more fun because I had my friends up there with me."

Hockaday played as USJ's No. 1 player and led the Lady Bruins to a runner-up finish in the Division II-A West region tournament.

With a win in sub-state though, USJ was into the state tournament.

Hockaday also finished runner-up in the region in singles, and she opened the state tournament with a 6-1, 6-0 victory to reach the semifinals.

"I was hoping to get to the final, but I faced a solid player in the semifinals," Hockaday said. "She had dedicated a lot of time to tennis.

"It was a fun match because she was such a great player. I did the best I could, and I am satisfied."

Hockaday leaves the Lady Bruins after four years of keeping the program playing at a high level.

"Tennis is a life-long sport," she said. "The program at USJ has always been good, and I just tried to continue to buld on the success. It has been really special to be a part of this program."

Making the state tournament throughout her career motivated Hockaday to work harder to be the best in West Tennessee.

"At the state tournament, you always saw good competition, and that made me want to work harder because there was always someone to try and beat," Hockaday said.

Her high school career is over and Hockaday will soon leave to attend the University of Tennessee, but tennis is not over.

"I plan to play intramural or club tennis at UTK," she said.

Michael Odom, 425-9754

All-West Tennessee Tennis Team

• Hardin County senior Addy Adkisson

• Hardin County senior Morgan Mathis

• TCA junior Lindy Tatum

• USJ junior Suzanna Camp