Jefferson’s senior Ginevra Gradassi was as good as any in the state of Georgia in 2019, leading the Lady Dragons to a dominating season that culminated in a region title and Sweet 16 berth. Gradassi’s performance earned her Player of the Year honors.

2019 By The Numbers

• 18-2 Record
• 8-AAA Player of the Year
• 3A State Sweet 16
• Region 8-AAA Champions

Gradassi answered the call time and again for Jefferson. She finished her senior season with an 18-2 record, which made for an easy decision as Region 8-AAA’s Player of the Year.

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Voting Results

1. Ginevra Gradassi – 88 pts (16 first-place votes)
2. Izzy Kinard – 45.5 pts (1)
3. Chloe Smith – 35 pts
4. Jaden Hoard – 20.5 pts (1)
5. Tyler Perry – 20.5 pts (1)

Voting included our 19-person panel made up of sports reporters, writers, video producers, former coaches, players, GHSA officials, and sports experts. The voting is Heisman-style, with the following points system:
1st place votes: 5 pts; 2nd: 3 pts; 3rd: 2 pts; 4th: 1 pts; 5th-6th: 0.5 pts; 7th: 0.25 pts; 8th: 0 pts

History of Girls Tennis Player of the Year

• 2019: Ginevra Gradassi (Jefferson SR #1 Singles)
• 2018: Chloe Smith (Banks FR #1 Singles)
• 2017: Hallie Reeves (Rabun SR #1 Singles)
• 2016: Savanna Scott (Rabun JR #2 Singles)
• 2015: Savanna Scott (Rabun SO #2 Singles)
• 2014: Brittany Stewart (Lumpkin SR #1 Singles)
• 2013: Brittany Stewart (Lumpkin JR #1 Singles)
• 2012: Kayla Olin/Eryn Cochran (Towns JR/SO #1 Doubles)
• 2011: Ginny Rhoades (Towns SR #2 Singles)
• 2010: Abby Brown/Claire Stovall (Habersham SR #1 Doubles)

Gradassi is Jefferson’s first recipient of the award. This award, which has gone to a doubles combo twice, and to a #2 singles player three times, doesn’t always go to the top singles player. In this case, Gradassi was a near-unanimous decision with 16 first-place votes out of a possible 19.

Looking Ahead – The Next Favorite

With Gradassi graduating, as well as Lumpkin’s Izzy Kinard, that really appears to leave a big battle for last year’s Player of the Year Chloe Smith and teammate Jaden Hoard to make another run at it. Others will also elbow their room into the argument.