Success gives Hendersonville's Sims 'something to work for'

Lucy Sims has gotten a taste of success in high school tennis. Now, she wants more.

Sims, a freshman at Hendersonville, has been named the all-Sumner County Tennis Player of the Year after reaching the state tournament. She won the District 9-AAA and Region 5-AAA singles titles, losing in a quarterfinal at the state tournament in Murfreesboro.

"I definitely want to go back," Sims said, "because I feel like I can take my experience from this year, work hard and hopefully do better next year. I've gotten to see what the next level is and it gives me something to work for."

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Sims was 13-0 as the Lady Commandos' No. 1 singles player. An avid player, she showed immediately she was ready for high school tennis.

"It was really cool getting to the state tournament as a freshman," Sims said. "I wasn't really expecting to go. I really loved the whole team aspect of it, and I learned a lot and a lot of fun.

"I went into (the year) with no expectations. I didn't know how far I would make it, so it was a good year, I guess."

Sims has a powerful forehand, but says she wants to work on her serve and playing at the net. Given the amount of tennis she plays, those aspects are certain to improve.

"I play a lot of junior tournaments and I do clinics in Nashville," she said. "I play almost every day of the week — just about any chance I can get."

Sims also is a big fan of the sport and says Angelique Kerber and Jelena Ostapenko — who won the French Open last month — are two of her favorites. She admires their aggressive play, shot-making and overall demeanor.