The “Catching Up” series continues with another conversation from the Sessions Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame, spotlighting the stories, influences, and journeys that have shaped Georgia tennis across generations.
This installment features Class of 2006 Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame member Kenny Thorne, whose tennis path spans standout junior experiences, a successful professional career, and a long-standing leadership role as Head Men’s Tennis Coach at Georgia Tech.
In this conversation, Thorne looks back on the early days that helped shape his development as a player, offering insight into the coaches and mentors who left a lasting impact on his game and mindset. He highlights the guidance of Bill Tym and Bryan Shelton, both of whom played key roles in his growth during his junior and competitive years. Their influence helped lay the foundation for a career defined not just by results, but by perspective, discipline, and adaptability.
Thorne also reflects on his time competing professionally, sharing lessons learned from the tour that extended far beyond match play. Like many elite players who transition into coaching, he emphasizes how the challenges of competition ultimately shaped how he now leads, teaches, and develops student-athletes at Georgia Tech.
Today, Thorne brings those experiences full circle, guiding the next generation of players while drawing on decades of lessons learned both on and off the court. His perspective offers a reminder that tennis careers are rarely linear—they’re built through relationships, resilience, and the willingness to grow through every stage of the game.
