MCC Tennis Inks Four, Two Local Players

(MERIDIAN) - Meridian Community College's head tennis head coach Wanda McPhail signed four tennis players to her men's and women's squads on Wednesday, January 24.

Elliot Clark of West Lauderdale High School joined Kelly Sterling of Meridian High School as two local players that are inked with MCC.

Kalan Anderson of Simpson Academy and Ashton Hartley of Clinton High School also signed with the Eagles.

"We are really excited to have this group join us this upcoming season," said Coach Wanda McPhail. "This is by far the largest and best signing class to commit this early since I've been here."

Clark comes to MCC by way of West Lauderdale High School, where he has been a member of the varsity tennis team since 9th grade. He won the Gold medal in the 2004 State Games of Mississippi in the Boys 16's division and in 2006 he captured the Bronze medal in the Boys 16's. As of December 2006, Clark was ranked #21 in the state. He is the son of Drs. Robert E. "Bobby" and Cherry Clark.

Sterling comes to MCC from Meridian High School, were she played varsity tennis for the Wildcats since 7th grade. In those seasons she finished either first or second in the district, made it to the state tournament and played in the 2004 MHSAA 5A State Finals. She is a six time gold medalist in the State Games of Mississippi. She was also a member of the varsity girls soccer team at MHS and was a member of the FCA, National Honor Society, Anchor Club and received the 2006 Scholar Athlete Award. She is the daughter of Mike and Nancy Sterling.

Anderson comes to MCC by way of Simpson Academy in Mendenhall. She won the 2005 District and State Championships in mixed doubles while playing for Newton County High School. In 2005 she was named most improved tennis player for her varsity team. She is a five time Honor Roll student, awarded the Girls State Leadership Award in 2004 and named Miss Simpson Country Academy 2006-2007. She is the daughter of Reverend Rodney and Julene Anderson.

Hartley comes to MCC by way of Clinton High School where she has played varsity tennis since 9th grade. She finished the 2005 season ranked #2 in the state in Girls 18's and #1 in doubles. She is currently ranked no. 126 in Southerns. She received the MVP award for years in a row at Clinton. In 2005 she received the George Wilkinson Award given by the Mississippi Tennis Association. She is also a member of the Clinton cross country and cheerleading teams. She was awarded both the Cheerleading Leadership Award and Coach's Award (cheerleading). She has volunteered for Hurricane Katrina Relief, Relay For Life and Vacation Bible School. She is the daughter of Ricky and Lynn Hartley.