Hall of Fame inducts Thorne

Kenny Thorne, former Tech All-American and current men's tennis coach, was inducted in to the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame last weekend. The ceremony took place at the Olde Town Athletic Club in Marietta, Saturday. The honor is the highest that can be bestowed upon an individual tennis player in Georgia.

"It was a thrill and an honor [to be inducted]. It gave me the opportunity to recognize the people around me like my family, my wife and kids that made sacrifices for me to be able to do the thing I love," Thorne said.

Thorne's former doubles partner at Tech and current Tech women's coach, Bryan Shelton, gave the introduction.

"We've been friends since we were 13 years old. [We] played junior tennis, college tennis, pro tennis and now are back on the coaching side of things. He was one of the main reasons I was standing up there. I'm just glad he didn't roast me," Thorne said.

Thorne was first notified in early July about his induction into the Hall of Fame.

"It's not something I thought about, or was hoping for, or was looking at, or was planning on or was a goal in my life. In looking at how big of an honor it is, it's incredible," Thorne said.

While at Tech, Thorne earned All-ACC honors all four years and an All-American distinction after his senior year, while posting a Tech record 112 singles victories. After graduation Thorne went on to play professional tennis.

"It's rough and tons of travel. I think Tech prepares you for it incredibly. I enjoyed some success, but I wasn't Andre Agassi. It was a job [that] I loved. I was very fortunate to be able to play for eight years," Thorne said.

Thorne was ranked as high as No. 121 in singles and No. 67 in doubles during his professional career.

In June 1998, Thorne returned to Tech to become the Director of Tennis and men's head coach.

"It's unique trying to give something back to my alma mater. I think [the pro tour] is what inspired me to coach. I think the experiences I had out there really helped me relate to the student athletes," Thorne said.

Since becoming coach, Thorne has guided the Jackets to seven NCAA Tournament appearances and a total of 111 dual-match victories, while coaching four All-Americans. Eddie Williamson and Jamie Kaplan were inducted into the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame along with Thorne.