Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) is often recognized for academic leadership, faculty scholarship, and state-wide outreach. While many people are aware of the school’s mission to serve gifted and talented students across the state, few would associate MSMS with athletic prowess. Last spring the MSMS tennis team challenged that notion by defeating St. Andrews Episcopal School to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A State Championship Title. MSMS ended the 2017 tennis season with a 10-2 record and a championship banner to boot!
Coach Katie Newman’s collaborative approach emphasized team work and comradery. Under Newman’s leadership, the team worked together to bolster one another’s individual talent. Additionally, Coach Newman altered the construction of the team and moved players around to ensure the strongest team overall.
In honor the 2017 championship title, Jimmy Nix from Balfour Jewelers came to campus on Tuesday, October 10th to deliver the team’s championship rings. These keepsakes bear the recipient’s name and will serve as a lasting symbol of the team’s victory.
Members of the 2017 MSMS Tennis Team include:
Coach Katie Newman
David Thaggard, Current Senior
Brent Styles, Current Senior
Kenadi Freeman, Current Senior
Daniel Leetran, Current Senior
Erin Owens, Current Senior
Sarrah Der-Ballout, Current Senior
Morgan Dollar, 2017 Graduate
Noah McKone, 2017 Graduate
Frank Seid, 2017 Graduate
Russell Hatcher, 2017 Graduate
Vivian Van, 2017 Graduate
Maggie Ford, 2017 Graduate
