TENNIS FEELS JUST RIGHT FOR BAILEY THOMAS

Ten year old Bailey Thomas tried many sports before she found the game of tennis two years ago.  Swimming, gymnastics, soccer, softball, and cheerleading were among the sports for daughter of Al and Lori Thomas.  Nothing seemed to excite her until one day, by accident, she discovered tennis.

On a trip to Col. Francis Beatty Park to go fishing with a friend, Bailey saw a sign advertising tennis lessons.  The number and idea stuck in her mind and within days her parents gave the number a call.  On the other line was Yann Thefaine, Director of the North Carolina Tennis Academy.  Bailey enrolled in a beginner’s class and the rest is history.

With just two years of play, Bailey has become the number nine ranked 10 year old in the state of North Carolina. The fifth grade student at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church has fallen in love with the game and practices five to six hours every week.

This summer Bailey achieved success in area tournaments and finished eighth in the North Carolina Closed Tournament in Cary. She recorded Championships in Salisbury and Statesville tournaments as well.

“My favorite part of playing tennis is the clinics and working with the coaches,” said Bailey. “I enjoy challenging myself and improving as a player more than the matches.”

Thefaine and Billy McKinney are Bailey’s coaches and both enjoy working with her.

Bailey’s mother Lori has really enjoyed watching her daughter fall in love with the game.

“We let Bailey have fun with tennis and we support her 100 percent. She is just ten right now and she doesn’t have to be ranked number one right now. We just want her to enjoy the game.”

Bailey’s favorite tennis player is Andre Agassi. This summer her family took a trip to the US Open to watch Andre in his final tournament. Bailey also got to see James Blake, Andy Roddick, and Serena Williams play.  In addition to the matches, she attended Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the Open.

Bailey backs up her strong tennis play with straight A’s in the classroom. She also enjoys playing basketball for St. Gabriel in the Interfaith Basketball League. At five foot two and only ten years old, Bailey has all the tools to become one of top players in North Carolina over the next few years.