There was never any doubt which school Caitlyn Williams would choose.

When the senior tennis player was in high school at Alpha Omega Academy in Knoxville, she was listed as a five-star, blue-chip recruit, according to TennisRecruiting.net. She was named the Southern Girl Player of the Year in 2005, 2007 and 2009 and was the 19th ranked player in the country. Wherever Williams decided to attend school, expectations were going to follow her. At Tennessee, however, she had family history.

When it came time for Williams to make a decision, she said it was an easy choice. Williams’ mother, brother and uncle played tennis for Tennessee. Her grandfather, Mike DePalmer, was the head coach for the men’s tennis team from 1981-1984.

Watching her brother, Rhyne, play for the men’s team and seeing his enjoyment helped Williams with her decision. Being from Knoxville didn’t hurt either.

“Growing up 15 minutes down the road, living here in Knoxville,” Williams said, “I’ve always been a Volunteer.”

Family tradition also lead Williams to Tennessee.

“A lot of family ties, my grandfather was a coach here, my mom and my uncle also played here,” Williams said, “I definitely wanted to keep the tradition going and stay in-state.”

As a senior, Williams has been through a lot. She has struggled with injuries and has been limited at times. However, she has battled back and helped the Vols win matches. Her proudest moment, she says, came during her freshman year when she clinched a 4-3 match against South Carolina.

“It was a really tight match,” Williams said, “it was pretty cool to get that win for the team.”

Right now Williams is only playing doubles, but co-head coach Mike Patrick hopes that will change.

“We’re hoping she can keep herself healthy and being able to contribute,” Patrick said.

After Williams graduates from Tennessee she hopes to turn pro. After that, she isn’t certain what she wants to do. For now, she is just thinking about tennis.

“Turning pro would be ideal,” Williams said, “my brother plays professionally right now and I would like to join him.”

When the rackets are put away and she isn’t on the tennis court, Williams enjoys fishing. It’s a love, like tennis, she shares with her brother. During Christmas break she joined him on a fishing trip.

“I went down to Florida to visit my brother and we went fishing,” Williams said, “we like to do that together.”

Also, Williams enjoys cooking. Her favorite things to cook are Italian foods. She loves pasta and spaghetti.

Williams’ mother and uncle were All-Americans at Tennessee, her brother played for the Vols, and her grandfather coached the Vols. Now, as a senior, her time at Tennessee is almost up. Caitlyn Williams has carried herself well throughout her career here at UT and while carrying on the family tradition.