Russellville High School junior Lily Cate Pace has been selected to participate in the 6th annual AHSAA North-South All-Star Tennis Match this summer, according to a post by Russellville Golden Tiger Athletics on Facebook.
Pace, who helped lead the Lady Golden Tigers’ varsity tennis team to a Class 4A-5A Section 8 tournament runner-up finish and a berth in the state tournament this season, is the first Russellville tennis player to be selected to represent the North in the all-star competition since Peyton Parrish in 2023.
“It actually means so much to me that I was selected for such an elite program. So much time and effort is put into this sport, and it’s a huge honor that I was noticed by the All-Star Program for excelling in my tennis matches during the season,” Pace told the Franklin Free Press. “All my hard work seems to be paying off and I am so blessed to have this amazing opportunity to do what I love.”
In the sectional tournament, Pace made it to the semifinals in singles play and, alongside partner Lakin Derrick, advanced to the finals in doubles competition.
At the state tournament, Pace was eliminated in the second round of singles competition and advanced with Derrick to the third round of doubles play.
Pace is one of just 12 players selected to represent the North team in the all-star competition which will be played during the AHSAA All-Star Week July 21–25.
Pace said she is looking forward to the many opportunities participating in the AHSAA All-Star Week will afford her.
“I am mainly looking forward to meeting the amazing players that were selected and making new friendships along the way,” the rising RHS senior said. “Not only that but being exposed to such high competition is only going to make me a better tennis player, and I cannot wait to compete with the North Alabama team to hopefully secure the tournament win.”
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