Kynley Craddock, Randall tennis, Jr.
On the court: The Randall Raiders team tennis squad captured their second UIL Class 4A state title in three years with a 10-4 over Wills Point in Waco last week.
Craddock was a big part of that success going undefeated in the fall season. The diminutive player with a power forehand logged a 29-0 record in singles and 35-0 in doubles with her partner, Abri Hays. All of that was accomplished while playing on a right knee that had a torn meniscus for the latter part of the year.
This was Craddock’s third gold as she was on the squad that captured team tennis gold in 2022 and took first last spring with her partner, Gabby Dishong, in the Class 4A girls doubles bracket.
Coach Darby Norman: “Kynley was pretty amazing. For two straight years I’ve had heard mentor a freshman in doubles in the fall. The knowledge and confidence those players have exuded has come from her. She’s a super hard worker and puts the team first every time. She does whatever I have asked her to do and is willing to play in whatever position we need her to benefit our squad”.
Craddock: “This year has been a lot of fun and doing it with my friends was even better. Just getting to state is an accomplishment but to win it is something else and twice in three years is amazing. After my knee injury I was worried, I wouldn’t get to keep playing but I didn’t want to let my team down. I’ve tried to display leadership on the court and help my partner (Abri Hays) as the season went on to adjust to a whole new atmosphere of pressure. She helped me as well by telling me I can accomplish anything on the court I want to”.
About Craddock
Favorite band or musician: Lauren Daigle
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Rafael Nadal
Bet you didn’t know: She can sing.
Parents: Zach and D’Ann Craddock.