The Kentucky Wildcats women’s tennis program has strengthened its roster for the upcoming 2026–27 season with the addition of transfer student-athlete Avery Pope, who arrives from BYU Cougars, head coach Shelley Jaudon announced on Friday.
Pope, a senior from Provo, Utah, joins Kentucky with one year of eligibility remaining and is expected to bring both experience and maturity to the program. Her path back into competitive tennis is unique, as she stepped away from college athletics after the 2023–24 season to complete a mission service assignment in El Salvador. That time away from competition is viewed by Kentucky’s coaching staff as an experience that helped shape her leadership qualities and personal development.
Coach Jaudon spoke highly of Pope’s journey, emphasizing the character and discipline she demonstrated during her time away from the sport. According to Jaudon, Pope’s decision to pause her athletic career to serve others overseas reflects a level of selflessness and personal growth that could translate positively into the Wildcats’ locker room. The coaching staff believes those experiences will allow her to make an immediate impact both on and off the court as she integrates into the team.
Before stepping away from tennis, Pope competed for BYU during the 2023–24 season and showed solid production in both singles and doubles play. She finished that campaign with a 6–10 record in singles matches while also posting a strong 9–4 mark in doubles competition. Her ability to contribute in both formats gives Kentucky added depth as it prepares for future SEC competition.
Pope’s tennis background extends beyond her collegiate career. Prior to joining BYU, she established herself as one of the top players in Utah high school tennis. She was a three-time Utah state team champion from 2018 through 2020, consistently competing at a high level and helping her teams achieve success at the state championship level. In addition, she earned a No. 3 ranking in Utah and was ranked No. 10 in the Mountain Region, highlighting her strong regional reputation as a junior player.
Her arrival at Kentucky also comes with a notable personal connection, as she is the daughter of Mark Pope, the current head coach of the Kentucky men’s basketball program. That family connection adds another layer of familiarity with the university environment, although Avery’s focus will remain on contributing to the women’s tennis team and carving out her own identity within the athletic department.
With one year of eligibility remaining, Pope is expected to provide valuable experience, leadership, and competitive depth as Kentucky continues to build its program. Her versatility in both singles and doubles play gives the Wildcats additional lineup options, while her maturity and life experience are seen as key qualities that can benefit the team culture.
As Kentucky prepares for future seasons, the addition of Pope represents not only a talent boost but also an infusion of leadership and resilience. The coaching staff will look to integrate her into the lineup as she transitions back into competitive collegiate tennis, with expectations that she can make a meaningful contribution during her time in Lexington.
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