MINNIS ON CRAYCRAFT
“Kelly’s been a great asset to the team over the years. She’s a tough competitor and is really one of our best players in doubles competition. It’s a shame that she’s been struggling with injuries over the past couple of years. She’s had a herniated disk in her back and its really limited her time on the court.”
SENIOR SEASON (2001-02)
Did not compete and retired from tennis after suffering a herniated disk in her back.
JUNIOR SEASON (2000-01)
Redshirted due to a herniated disk in her back … Named to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll for the second-straight year … Recorded a 5-6 overall singles record during fall competition before her injury … Notched a 6-5 mark in fall doubles competition.
SOPHOMORE SEASON (1999-00)
Named to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll by earning a 3.076 overall grade point average … Recorded an 8-6 overall record in singles matches as a sophomore during the 1999-2000 season … Went undefeated at the No. 5 singles position … Accumulated a 3-0 record in three-set matches … Proved to be difficult to beat in doubles play along with partner Lauren Haddix, as the pair recorded an 8-5 mark in tournament doubles competition … Proved to be a tremendous athlete with an enthusiastic and energetic work ethic … Her competitive nature allowed her to compete and pick up victories against players of a higher calabur such as Colorado’s Mara Berzins … Played with a great attitude, and showed an ability to learn from both head coach Tony Minnis and former assistant coach Sally Calongne … Finished the 2000 fall season with a 5-6 record in singles play and a 6-4 mark in doubles competition … Earned her second varsity letter.
FRESHMAN SEASON (1998-99)
Proved to be one of three LSU freshmen during the 1999 season who saw significant playing time with the Lady Tigers … After making some major changes in her game under Minnis and assistant Sally Calongne, Kelly showed constant improvement through the fall open play and posted a 5-7 record … Scored victories over two SEC opponents at the SEC Fall Tournament, showing the potential to compete and win in the best conference in the nation … Posted the third- best winning percentage for the Lady Tigers as she finished with an outstanding 12-9 record … Finished the season with a 7-2 record in dual matches while picking up wins at No. 2, No. 5 and No. 6 singles … Competitive nature allows her to compete and pick up victories against players of a higher calibur … Split time playing with either senior Nikki Rasheed or sophomore Christine Weber at both the No. 2 and No. 3 doubles positions … When teaming up with Weber, the duo won eight matches and lost only three … Craycraft/Rasheed finished the year with a 3-8 record … Earned her first varsity letter.
PRIOR TO LSU
Earned four-time team Most Valuable Player Awards of Upper Arlington High School’s women’s tennis team, leading her team to four top-three state finishes including the 1996 state championship … Finished undefeated in four years of conference play and ranked 136th in singles and 24th in doubles … Finished her career as the Ohio Valley District champion and the Central Ohio Player of the Year in her senior season … Won several athletic awards including The Roland Sharer Award, the John Noble Award, the Agonis Award, the Dorothy Sharer Award and the Career Recognition Award.
PERSONAL
Born on April 21, 1980 … She is majoring in marketing … Parents are Randall and Janet Craycraft … Full name is Kelly Ann Craycraft.