For the third time in four years, a Columbia High School tennis star will be taking their talents to Hinds Community College.
Senior Elizabeth Knight signed a letter of intent Friday to attend the Raymond school on scholarship, joining Bryce Ramshur last year and Bryce Livingston in 2016.
Both Knight’s dad, Allen, and uncle, Rob, played tennis and helped teach her the game, and she thanked them for their support. She also credited Ramshur for taking her under his wing.
“He was there from the start of everything,” she said. “He helped me with practices and hitting after school and helping me learn technique.”
Knight said it’s an honor to be viewed as worthy of playing at the collegiate level.
“It means a lot to be considered a great tennis player,” she said.
Knight played with the Hinds tennis team during her tryout, which was the determining factor in receiving a scholarship offer.
Columbia tennis coach Anna Morris said what makes Knight so great is the time, effort and dedication she puts in to improve her game.
“I live by tennis courts and drive by the tennis courts all the time. Six out of seven nights a week Elizabeth is out there,” Morris said. “I think Hinds saw that when she went up there for tryouts, and I think once she gets there she’s going to do very great things.”
Fellow tennis coach Derek Jones said Knight has been a role model for the younger players and that they all look up to her.
“That’s because she puts in the work,” he said.
Knight was among the eight girls singles to play in the state tournament last year, earning the No. 4 ranking, and Morris said she expects the senior to make it again this year.
Pictured Above: Columbia's Elizabeth Knight with her parents Emily and Allen Knight. | Photo by Joshua Campbell
