Annabelle Thomas Named INTENNSE Impact Player of the Year
INTENNSE Tennis
3 MINS | Published on 08/25/25
ATLANTA, GA — The inaugural INTENNSE season inspired a new spirit of competition, one defined by connection, growth, and leadership. Championing this spirit was Annabelle Thomas, whose unwavering commitment and infectious energy inspired Team Jacksonville and the league itself. Named Impact Player of the Year, Thomas was recognized not only for her results, but for the transformative culture she helped create—embodying the values INTENNSE was founded upon.
“I’d heard there would be awards, but I wasn’t focused on that,” Thomas said. “I was just thinking about our match against Tampa. Getting that award was really special. It was a great way to close the season and made me even more grateful because it reflected all the work we had put in together.”
INTENNSE was built on the idea that competition should be meaningful beyond results. It prioritizes culture, collaboration, and personal growth, all values Thomas embraced fully from day one.
“It was more special than being recognized just for the tennis,” she said. “At INTENNSE, we’re all competing to win, but the league really values the full experience. That’s what made it so meaningful. I had a pretty up-and-down summer with my results, but this reminded me that I contributed in other ways too.”
Her reflections echoed the spirit of her team, Team Jacksonville, and their head coach, Claudio Pistolesi, who often reminded them that the most important trophy was the one they built together through camaraderie and trust.
Thomas was one of the earliest players to commit to INTENNSE. She was active on social media, vocal about the league’s mission, and leaned into her role within Team Jacksonville with excitement and pride.
“I was really excited going into it, but I think everyone was a little unsure because it was something new,” she said. “But from the moment I stepped into the INTENNSE Arena, it was beyond anything I could have expected. Honestly, it was the best summer I’ve had for tennis in my life. Every weekend meant something. It never felt like a grind.”
She quickly became one of the league’s most consistent ambassadors, dedicating herself to both the on-court and off-court experience.
“I wanted to do a lot on and off the court because I understood the vision,” she said. “This isn’t like the tours where you’re just a number. INTENNSE is a place where we’re learning how to build something bigger than ourselves. We’re growing as people, as professionals, and as a community. I wanted to be part of that.”
Coming out of college, Thomas had options. She could have followed a more traditional professional path, but chose INTENNSE because of its format and the opportunity to help build something from the ground up.
“I knew I was going to miss the team environment,” she said. “I didn’t want to travel alone week after week. I wanted to be part of something with people I cared about. Being part of Season One felt special because I know one day we’ll look back and see how much this has grown.”
When asked what she would remember most from the season, she didn’t hesitate.
“Before the summer, I barely knew anyone outside of my teammates. Now I feel connected to this whole network in the tennis world, and I want to keep building those relationships. I know how special this has been, and I want more people to experience that.”
