CLINTON, Miss. — History was made in 2025 as Emma Roberts and Alex Benichou Blanchard became the first ITA All-Americans in Mississippi College tennis history, capping off individual seasons of excellence that helped elevate the Choctaws to national prominence.

For the first time, MC had not one—but two student-athletes earn All-American recognition in the same year, setting a new standard for success in the program.

"These two represent everything we want our program to be," said head coach Michael Ward. "They've worked relentlessly, competed fearlessly, and led by example. To see them make All-American is incredibly special—not just for them, but for Mississippi College tennis."

Emma Roberts: A Historic Senior Season

Roberts was the driving force behind Mississippi College's best season in women's tennis history. She earned First Team All-GSC honors, was named an ITA All-American, and finished the year ranked No. 13 nationally in singles—the highest mark ever for a Choctaw woman.

Her season was filled with defining moments, including a top-5 singles win in the NCAA South Region Final against national powerhouse Barry. But her biggest contribution may have been her consistency and leadership during MC's historic postseason run.

"She showed up every single match with toughness and poise," Ward said. "She's one of the most competitive and composed athletes I've ever coached."

Alex Benichou Blanchard: One of the Nation's Best

On the men's side, sophomore sensation Alex Benichou Blanchard etched his name in the record books as well—repeating as GSC Player of the Year and becoming the first player in conference history to win the award back-to-back.

Blanchard earned ITA All-American honors and climbed to a career-best national singles ranking of No. 4, the highest by a Mississippi College player—men's or women's—in program history.

"Alex plays with so much fire and maturity," Ward said. "His growth, both technically and mentally, has been unreal. He's one of the best in the country, and he's only just getting started."

Laying the Foundation for the Future

Roberts and Blanchard's honors were part of a season filled with firsts for MC Tennis:

• The women's team won its first-ever Gulf South Conference championship, defeating three nationally ranked opponents en route to the title.
• Both men's and women's teams reached the NCAA South Region Tournament—a first for both programs in the same year.
• The women finished 21–7, including an upset of No. 10 Embry-Riddle to reach the NCAA regional final.
• The men went 16–11 and battled No. 2 Saint Leo in their first-ever NCAA appearance."This was a program-changing year," Ward said. "But Emma and Alex making All-American… that's the exclamation point."And with Roberts' legacy cemented and Blanchard returning for more, the Choctaws have shown that the future of Mississippi College tennis isn't just bright—it's elite.