Although neither of Lake Oconee Academy’s tennis teams won a state championship, they have plenty to celebrate.
The boys and girls secured region championships and advanced to the Final Four of the Class A Division II state playoffs. Additionally, several players earned All-Region honors for their performances on the court this year.
“The season for both teams was a challenge, and they both overcame a lot of adversity but came together to have successful seasons,” LOA head tennis coach Tom Imhof told the Lake Oconee News earlier this week.
The LOA girls won the region championship for a fourth consecutive season and then blazed their way through the postseason. They easily defeated Charlton County and Miller County with 3–0 results before winning a 3-2 battle over the Elite Scholars Academy. However, their season ended with a 3-0 loss to Irwin County.
LOA won the 2024 state title by defeating Telfair County, which topped Irwin County in this year’s final.
While the Lady Titans fell just short, they achieved their fourth consecutive Final Four appearance this season.
“The girls exceeded expectations after we replaced two all-state seniors with two freshmen in the starting lineup,” Imhof said. “Winning the region and making it to the Final Four despite some injuries was a huge victory.”
Elizabeth Moore was named the Region Player of the Year. Emi Mokan, Grace Kalmanowicz, Riley Payne, Jaime Beatty, Lainey Carter, and Mary Claire McCommons also earned All-Region first-team honors this year.
Payne, Beatty, and Moore were selected as All-State players, while Carter and McCommons received honorable mentions.
The LOA boys won the region championship this season after finishing second in 2024. They defeated Irwin County 3-0 and Seminole County 3-1 to reach the Elite Eight. A dominant 3-0 victory against Trion sent them to the Final Four for the fourth-straight year, where they lost to Taylor County 3-1, ending their season.
Early County ultimately defeated Taylor County 3-1 in the state championship.
The Titans competed hard this season but couldn’t overcome some adversity to make a return trip to the state final.
“The boys’ season was a hard grind and a testament to perseverance,” Imhof said. “We faced injuries early and couldn’t maintain a consistent lineup. The guys stepped up, winning the region and reaching the Final Four.”
Wyatt Imhof, the coach’s son, was named Region Player of the Year. Major Mercer, Henry Hynes, and Quinton Anthony were named to the All-Region first team. Cole Sandoval was listed as an honorable mention.
Wyatt Imhof was the only LOA boys player who earned All-State honors.