Mitchell and Jamie Thorp recently picked up the 3A state doubles title for the second straight year at a tournament in the Tri-Cities.
The Kennedy Catholic High School doubles team went 17-0 last year in winning its first state title. The brothers are coached by their mom, Maryann Thorp, who won a state singles title for Kent-Meridian High School in 1979.
“It felt great to win state two years in a row, especially being a senior,” said Mitchell, 19. “It was sweet to go undefeated playing doubles with my brother; there was a sense of relief for us being able to defend our title.”
The boys compiled a two-year record of 28-0, having only dropped one set throughout all their matches.
“It felt good,” said Jamie, 16. “There was also more pressure on us this time around being the defending champs, so in some ways it was even more rewarding to win this year.”
The tournament was a family affair for Mitchell and Jamie. Their parents, two brothers and grandmother came to cheer them on.
“I’m glad our grandma was there because she is our lucky charm,” Mitchell said. “She was there last year when we won our first title.”
The brothers have started playing tennis at the Kent Swim and Tennis Club when they were 8 years old.
“In the beginning I just played in the summer and I instantly fell in love with the game and all the aspects that go with it,” Mitchell said. “I really like the tactical aspect of tennis. It is fun to see where your opponent makes errors and then you can attack the weaknesses and make your matches easier.”
Now they play tennis year-round.
“Like Mitch, I play USTA tournaments in the PNW and practice year round approximately 5 days a week at local indoor clubs,” Jamie said. “The thing I like most about tennis is the competitive environment and opportunity for creativity on the court. It also helps me in other areas of my life.”
Mitchell and Jamie enjoy playing together.
“During the year we did not play any doubles together so it took some time to get our groove back in tournament play,” Mitchell said. “We both play year-around tennis and usually play more singles then doubles. It is fun playing doubles with your brother because it is nice to have a partner to joke around with, which is much different than singles where you are on the court all by yourself.”
Next year, Mitch is playing Division I tennis at the University of California, Davis.
“I am really excited for college tennis and all the camaraderie that goes with it,” he said.
Jamie is playing singles in postseason play and after high school.
“I would like to play Division I college tennis someday too,” he said.
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