By Caleb Youngblood, Public Relations Coordinator
April 17, 2025
In a remarkable showing at the 2025 MHSAA State Tennis Championships, the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) tennis team claimed three Class 1 State Titles: Boys Doubles, Girls Doubles, and the coveted Team Championship. This marks a historic milestone for the MSMS program and underscores the talent, drive, and unity of a team that has steadily built momentum throughout the season.
The Boys Doubles team of Daniel Van and Ryan Wu, both members of the Class of 2025, delivered a commanding 6-0 victory in the championship match against Tupelo Christian Preparatory School. The duo demonstrated precision under pressure, never dropping a set in the tournament.
“Daniel and I had so much experience and trust playing with each other,” said Wu. “Seeing it all come together during the final matches was quite incredible. We were completely in sync, and the adrenaline from winning the final match is something that I’ll never forget.”
On the Girls Doubles side, MSMS proved its dominance with an all-MSMS final. Darshi Kher and Adair Gaines (both Class of 2025) clinched the state title, defeating their own teammates Zuxia Li (Class of 2025) and Anna Anderson (Class of 2026) in a competitive match that exemplified the program’s depth. Kher and Gaines’ chemistry on the court was evident throughout the season, as the duo secured their second consecutive state title. Li and Anderson’s runner-up finish further showcased the strength of the MSMS girls squad.
“Winning back-to-back titles felt awesome because we were able to show everyone that we are not just academically gifted but also excel in extracurriculars,” said Kher. “Playing another MSMS team [in the state finals] proves that.”
These outstanding individual performances highlight the strength of the team, which came together to win the overall Team Class 1 State Championship—a reflection of their camaraderie and the excellence of their coaching. In addition to the doubles champions, the state-winning roster includes Aanya Banga (Class of 2026), Noah Maksi (Class of 2026), Vincent Young (Class of 2026), Ramon Munoz-Montiel (Class of 2025), Yash Malhotra (Class of 2025), Nora Scott (Class of 2025), and Vanessa Espino (Class of 2026).
“Everybody contributed in their own way,” said Van. “I remember getting chills as I watched Adair fight so hard for the win or Zuxia screaming ‘LET’S GO!’ after winning her 3rd set tie breaker. Nobody stopped fighting until the end. We constantly cheered on our teammates, which gave us the power to push through and win tough matches. Through all this, I believe our team strength was unparalleled to the others.”
“It’s times like these that really make me glad I came to MSMS,” said Gaines. “This win marks my fourth consecutive year to win an individual championship [at state]. I’ve put a lot of time and energy into playing tennis, and it was great to win with my favorite tennis partner. My whole experience as the captain and player on the [MSMS] team has been a dream, and it’s all thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Coach King and TK.”
The team is led by married coaching duo Tonya and Troy King, who have coached at MSMS for the past five years. Their leadership has shaped the program into a cohesive and competitive force in Mississippi high school tennis. The Kings’ son, Torean King, a former college player and certified tennis trainer, also contributes to the program—helping sharpen players’ technical skills and strengthen their competitive mindset.
“We knew we had the team to compete for the semis and finals,” said Troy King. “We had to invest extra time and practice to win it all, which included having tough heart-to-heart conversations with the players. The players truly believed in themselves, their coaches, and trusted the process. As a coach, it meant a great deal to me, but it truly means the world to me for the kids, because they put in so much work to get here.”
As they head into their final weeks at MSMS, the Class of 2025 has set a high bar for future teams to follow. The underclassmen—several of whom played pivotal roles in the state championship run—are poised to continue the momentum in the next season.
“Winning this state championship is not just about an accomplishment; it’s about the bond the players have formed with us and with each other,” King added. “As we look to next season, we’re excited to build on our culture of hard work and determination. With Tonya continuing as assistant coach and our son Torean helping out, we’re confident in the direction this program is heading. With our returning juniors now seasoned veterans, we’ll focus on seamlessly integrating our new juniors, ensuring a smooth transition and the continuation of a legacy of excellence.”
With a sweep of the Boys, Girls, and Team titles, MSMS Tennis has solidified its place among the elite programs in the state. This season will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the school’s most triumphant, and a promising sign of what’s yet to come.
To learn more about the MHSAA Tennis, please visit: https://www.misshsaa.com/tennis/