Lilly Kimbell Wiki – Bio
Lilly Kimbell, a former college tennis player, tragically died after suffering a massive heart attack that cut off oxygen to her brain for an extended period, on Saturday, February 4. Her family members and loved ones are devastated by the untimely death of the 2014 University of Georgia graduate. Kimbell’s family was forced to make the difficult decision to take her off life support. Her family, friends and former coaches offered her prayers and condolences after hearing the unfortunate news.
Lilly Kimbell Age
Lilly Kimbell was 31 years old.
Former Tennis Star Career
Kimbell cemented her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in program history during her time in college. She had 197 wins, 109 doubles and 88 singles in four years with the Bulldogs. During her tenure, she advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals four times and was part of the 2014 team that claimed the SEC championship.
Kimbell won the 2011 ITA South East Regional Doubles Championship with Chelsey Gullickson in her first college season. In her second season, she set the record for most consecutive doubles wins in a season. Kimbell recorded 22 straight wins with Maho Kowase in 2012. In 2014, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family sciences, and in 2016 she earned a master’s degree in sports management. She remained associated with the sport after her career with Georgia and served as an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois and then at St Mary’s.
Tributes
Kimbell’s sister, Samantha Gillas, paid tribute to him and explained what he meant to her in an emotional Facebook post. “Yesterday heaven gained another angel,” Gillas began. “I really don’t know what to say. I am speechless and in complete shock, but at the same time I have a lot to say. It all seems so surreal and I’m waiting to wake up from this bad dream and see you come down. Apart from what you did on the court, I admired you as a person. You had this ability to make everyone smile. Every time we walked into the room you were surrounded by people laughing and smiling. Everyone seemed to gravitate towards you,” Gillas’s post read.
“I’m still trying to process why God made this happen to you at 31. I shouldn’t have to say goodbye to my sister at 22. I love you so much Lilly. I know that you are watching us from above, watching us. You were so talented and loved by so many,” Gillas concluded.
“We were shocked and heartbroken to learn that Lilly passed away,” Georgia women’s tennis coach Jeff Wallace said, according to West Journal, adding: “I will always remember how she helped create a culture of excellence with her attitude and work ethic. Lilly was a fantastic teammate and was always smiling and laughing during practice and games.” “She ranks as one of the most successful doubles players in Georgia tennis history. During the spring of her sophomore year, she went undefeated in doubles with Maho (Kowase), and her 22-match winning streak remains a school record. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” Wallace continued.
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