After weeks of anticipation over who will be named Chattanooga's top bachelorette, a winner has emerged, and the Perfect Catch is ... Susannah Cook.

Thousands of votes were cast in a week of online voting in the newspaper's Perfect Catch contest. Ms. Cook will receive a $500 gift certificate to The Chattanoogan hotel.

Ms. Cook, a 28-year old tennis professional who teaches tennis at McCallie School, was in a close race with DeSharla Lavette, a neighborhood relations specialist with the city of Chattanooga; Alexandra Santiago, sales and marketing director at SunTrust Bank; Lindsey Miller, a chemist at ZECO; and Katherine Becksvoort, a nursing student.

Being a part of the Perfect Catch contest was a thrilling experience, said Ms. Cook.

"I didn't have any idea what to expect, and I had a lot of fun with it," said Ms. Cook after learning she had won. "I am just excited."

Since being named a Top 5 finalist, Ms. Cook said she has received a lot of support from family and friends and heard from people she hasn't talked to in a long time. She even got contacted by one of her old flames.

"I got a text from one of my old boyfriends," she said laughing. He was like, 'Hey, Miss Bachelorette.' I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' It was funny. I just got a smile."

The person who nominated Ms. Cook described her as a woman who is passionate about playing and teaching the sport of tennis and full of life.

"She is beautiful, fun and finds good in all things," wrote her nominator. "Susannah brings smiles, laughter and joy to everyone she meets. She is a confident person who makes those around her feel comfortable and capable."

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