MCC Tennis Star Wins Postseason Honors

From School Reports

Madison Gillette, a Meridian native and Meridian High School graduate, won the 2014 MACJC All-State/Region XXIII honors at the NJCAA MACJC Region XXIII JUCO Championships held last weekend at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Madison Gillette was a two-sport athlete at Meridian High School from 2007-2011, playing both soccer and tennis. Gillette was a player on the U14 and U16 Challenge soccer team and played high school soccer for four years where she served as senior soccer captain in 2011 and was a soccer scholar athlete.  Gillette played high school tennis under her dad, Kevin Gillette. 

During her high school tennis career, Madison was a district tennis finalist in singles in 2011 and a semi-finalist at State in mixed doubles in 2009 and 2010 as well as being a tennis scholar athlete.  Madison was honored for her academic achievements at MHS by being awarded the Wise Cat Award in 2011.  Gillette was also  involved in community service while in high school. 

After a term at Mississippi State University, Madison returned home in the fall of 2012 and began her tennis career and academics at Meridian Community College.  As a freshman, Madison played number four singles and number doubles for MCC.  At number three singles, her record was 11-3 with losses to DI Jackson State, Millsaps, and Jones Junior College. 

In doubles, she and partner, Mallory Davis had a 11-3 record.  As a sophomore, Madison is playing number three singles and number two doubles with partner Molly Davis.  Her records this season are 15-8 in singles and 15-8 in doubles. Bringing her career totals to 26-11 in singles and 26-11 in doubles.  She had wins this season over Faulkner and Seminole and is undefeated in conference play.  Four of her losses were to Florida teams who are ranked in the top eight nationally.  As well as her success on the court, Madison serves as captain of the team this year.

She maintains a 3.3 GPA and finds time to volunteer for community service through such organizations at Love’s Kitchen, the Salvation Army, Special Olympics, American Cancer Society, and helps teach tennis clinics with her dad. “Madison is a fierce competitor,” said MCC head coach Wanda McPhail. “She works extremely hard on the court and just refuses to lose.  She won her final match in a long three-set match winning the last set 6-1. I just can’t say enough about Madison’s determination and leadership.”