Lilly Kimbell via Samantha Gilas Facebook

The tennis community is grieving the sudden passing of former University of Georgia standout Lilly Kimbell, who died at 31. In an emotional Facebook tribute, her family revealed she suffered from kidney problems that led to a “massive heart attack.” Despite efforts to revive her, including CPR at home and hospitalization, she was eventually 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. Head Coach Jeff Wallace expressed his heartbreak at her passing, remembering her for her exceptional attitude and work ethic that helped shape the culture of excellence within the team.

In a statement, Georgia head coach  Jeff Wallace mourned the devastating loss and said: “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 Kimbell via Georgia Women’s Tennis Twitter

Lilly was known for her infectious smile and laughter and was one of the most successful doubles players in Georgia tennis history. She holds the school record for consecutive doubles wins in a season alongside partner Maho Kowase and was part of four NCAA quarterfinalist teams.

Kimbell, a native of New Braunfels, Texas, was a standout tennis player during her college years, significantly impacting her team’s success. She was a member of the tennis squads from 2011 to 2014, where she registered an impressive 197 combined wins, including 109 in doubles and 88 in singles.

Lilly Kimbell via Georgia Women’s Tennis Twitter

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. She was also a member of four teams that advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals, a testament to her skill and competitive spirit.

Kimbell’s personal achievements were also noteworthy. She was named to the SEC All-Tournament team in 2012 and 2014, and as a senior, she had an impressive record of 30-8 in singles, earning the title of ITA Regional Most Improved Senior of the Year.

Her accomplishments in doubles play are equally impressive. As a freshman, she won the 2011 ITA Southeast Regional Doubles Championship with Chelsey Gullickson. Kimbell holds the record for the most consecutive doubles wins in a season, with 22 wins alongside Kowase in 2012. She ranks fourth in career doubles victories, with a 109-31 record, and seventh in doubles wins in a season, with a 32-5 record in 2012.

Lilly Kimbell via Georgia Women’s Tennis Twitter

In addition to her athletic achievements, Lilly was a distinguished student, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science in 2014. She then earned her Master’s in Sport Management in 2016.

The tennis community will remember her impact on the court. She ranks fourth at the University of Georgia in career doubles victories, and seventh in doubles wins in a season.

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