HAMMOND, La. – Kennedy Hutto, a multi-time Mississippi state champion, will continue her academic and athletic endeavors as a member of the Southeastern Louisiana University women's tennis program, SLU head coach Jason Hayes announced Tuesday.
 
Hutto, who hails from Madison, Mississippi, is the third member of the 2026-27 Lion tennis signing class. She joins Gabrielle Rice (Coppell, Texas) and Jastine Escamos (Sugar Land, Texas), whose signings were announced last Friday.
 
"Kennedy's addition combined with the previous signings of Jastine and Gabrielle continues our focus towards recruiting top American players with outstanding academic records," Hayes commented. "We believe the additions of these three players to the talent on our current roster will allow us to compete for a Southland Conference championship."
 
A four-star recruit that has been ranked as high as No. 166 nationally, Hutto has led Madison Central High School to four consecutive state championships. A four-time all-state honoree, Hutto has won the last two Class 7A state singles championships and was named the 2025 Mississippi USTA Dorothy Vest Junior Female Player of the Year.
 
A veteran of the national Clay Court and Hardcourt Championships, Hutto was presented the 2024 Mississippi USTA George Wilkerson Memorial Award. Outside of tennis, Kennedy is a member and on the executive board of the Madison Junior Civitan Club, a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Madison County Crown Club, Mayor's Youth Council, National Beta Club, FCA leadership team, National Honor Society and a Jackson Symphony League Sub Deb Principal. 
 
"We're very excited to have Kennedy join us," Hayes said. "In addition to her accomplishments on the court, she possesses a great attitude and her addition is going to make us a better team."
 
Hutto's future teammates will open the spring portion of its 2025-26 schedule Jan. 30 at LSU Alexandria.
 
40 LOVE CLUB
All membership fees and donations to both the 40 Love Club and S Club (tennis) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern tennis program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
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