December Captains of the Month
Captains of the Month Caitlin Thomas and Laperiall Jones
This month, we’re excited to recognize two incredible individuals who continue to make a difference in their tennis communities.
Adult League Captain of the Month Caitlin Thomas (Oxford)
Caitlin started playing USTA Adult League tennis 20 years ago, and after taking a break when she had young children, she now has more free time to get back into it! Caitlin played on 12 teams this year, and captained or co-captained 3 of them.
Her favorite moment as a captain was making it to the finals in the Adult 40&Over 4.0W Southern Sectionals in 2023. “We are a team of friends that just enjoy playing together, and it was so fun and surprising to do that well!” noted Caitlin.
Caitlin teaches 7th grade history at Lafayette Middle School, and coaches tennis as well. She and her husband Josh have four children: Keegan (20), Beatrix (19), Presley (18), and Finlay (17).
We know captaining isn't always easy, as it takes organization, patience, and determination... so we appreciate you Caitlin!
Junior Team Tennis Captain of the Month Laperiall Jones (Jackson)
LaPeriall Jones has an unwavering dedication to the sport and a remarkable commitment to mentoring young players. Serving as a junior captain since 2021, LaPeriall stands out not only for her passion for tennis but also her selfless involvement in the community- without even having children of her own who play the game.
Hailing from Jackson, LaPeriall comes from a supportive family that has always encouraged her love for tennis and community engagement. With and extensive background as both a player and coach, she embraced the opportunity to lead junior teams as a way to foster growth in young athletes, both on and off the court. On average, LaPeriall captains 3 to 4 teams each season across age divisions of 10, 12 and 18 and under, exemplifying her commitment to youth development in tennis.
A passionate player since 2021, LaPeriall continues to compete in USTA Adult Leagues. Growing up, she drew inspiration from legendary players like Monica Seles, whose fierce competitiveness and two-handed backhand strokes she admired, and Pete Sampras, who captivated her with his effortless serve-and-volley style. Today, LaPeriall looks up to Serena Williams for her unparalleled determination and the inspiration she provides to players of all ages, particularly young athletes.
LaPeriall's journey in tennis is fueled not only by her love for the game but also by her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young players, ensuring they have the tools and sip[port they need to thrive on and off the court.
