When 9-year-old Jayci Goldsmith started playing tennis, it would be hard to imagine her future in the sport. She grew up in Dripping Springs and won the Texas state championship in both her junior and senior years at DSHS.
“Growing up, my tennis goal was to play at a Division 1 college on a full scholarship. I achieved that,” says Jayci.
Following graduation, she chose to continue her career at Texas A&M where she became the most decorated Aggie tennis player of all time, breaking school records with 116 singles and 123 doubles victories.
“What an amazing career Jayci has had for the Aggies,” head coach Mark Weaver says. “Her five years have gone by far too fast. She played a tremendous part in our success in recent years.”
A two-time All-American, Jayci excelled as a teammate as well as an individual.
“Another goal of mine was to get a big ring. The highlight of my college career was winning the SEC Championship my senior year,” says Jayci. “We beat Georgia in the finals, who beat us the year before. We got our revenge! The celebration and amount of recognition our team got was something I’ll never forget.”
She also thrived off the court, graduating with a degree in University Studies from the prestigious Mays Business School.
For now, her tennis career is over. Despite opportunities to play professionally overseas, Jayci has returned home to Dripping Springs. “I plan to work in Austin. I am taking online classes to finish my master's this summer and interviewing for jobs,” she says.
“My favorite thing about Dripping Springs would probably be the people and culture,” says Jayci. “My high school coach Cary Jackson was so supportive and understanding. We still keep in touch to this day.”
Jayci grew up playing at the Polo Tennis & Fitness Club where her mother worked. She wants to give back to the community and the sport that gave her so much. “Tennis will always be a huge part of my life. I would love to continue giving lessons.”
