Jacksonville Honors the Top Girls Tennis Players of the Last 25 Years

Jacksonville, Florida, USA - The world of tennis is buzzing, particularly within Florida’s vibrant high school scene where tennis talent shines spectacularly. As of July 16, 2025, a remarkable compilation from the Times-Union celebrates the best high school girls tennis players in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida from the 2000-01 to 2024-25 seasons. This „All-Quarter Century Team“ reflects phenomenal achievements without venturing into college stats, drawing a clear line strictly to high school performances.

Among the 11 honored players, Katja Decker-Sadowski of Bolles stands out, having led her school to consecutive FHSAA titles while earning accolades like All-First Coast player of the year in 2005. She went on to play at Southern California, further establishing her tennis prowess.

Current Stars and Rising Legends

The list also includes Imani Graham from Creekside, who made headlines with an undefeated high school singles season in 2019, while her peers like Katherine Jakeway and Amanda Keller feature prominently, accumulating state titles and collegiate honors. Keller secured recognition with her three consecutive All-First Coast player awards, and Graham has since dazzled in college tournaments with Xavier University.

Equally impressive is Kylie Kochis, the first player in Northeast Florida to bag both state team and individual championships in 2025. She led her senior season undefeated, earning her place as a four-time first-team All-First Coast honoree.

These talented young women are not just making noise in high school; they are laying the foundation for futures that could rival Florida’s storied tennis legends. The legacy of players like Chris Evert and Jim Courier casts a long shadow, reminding everyone that the Sunshine State has a knack for producing champions.

A Legacy of Excellence

Historically, Florida has been a breeding ground for tennis legends. Names like Mary Joe Fernandez and Kathy Rinaldi pepper the landscape, each with impactful careers that have shaped the game significantly. Notably, Fernandez boasts two Grand Slam doubles titles and Olympic medals, encapsulating Florida’s rich tennis heritage documented by Florida Tennis.

In more recent history, rising star Ben Shelton has been making waves on the professional circuit, captivating fans with his performances. Since announcing his transition to professional tennis in August 2022, Shelton’s journey has been a whirlwind. He reached the semifinals at the 2023 US Open and debuted in the top 10 rankings following a stellar quarterfinal victory at the Stuttgart Open. As he evolves into a formidable player, there’s much excitement about what lies ahead for this talented athlete—a perfect addition to Florida’s ever-growing list of tennis greats.

Alongside Gavin, the recent mural honoring Florida champions at the 2024 Miami Open serves as a vibrant tribute to the state’s tennis legacy, featuring figures like Serena Williams and Andy Roddick. It’s a testament to what Florida brings to the court—not just a spot on the map, but a true tennis dynasty.

As local high school talents continue to rise and professional stars shine brighter than ever, Florida’s influence on tennis is undeniable. The future beckons with promise, and for these athletes, each match played is a step closer to writing their stories into the fabric of this state’s illustrious tennis history.