Michael Ward is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Mississippi College men’s and women’s tennis programs, leading both teams to new heights on the conference and national stages. Since his arrival, Ward has transformed Choctaw Tennis into a respected force in NCAA Division II, known for its competitive spirit, player development, and historic postseason success.
In 2025, Ward guided the programs to their most successful season in school history. The women’s team captured its first-ever Gulf South Conference Championship, defeating nationally ranked opponents No. 11 and No. 5 before taking down No. 1 West Alabama in the final, 4-2. The Choctaws followed that with a thrilling upset of No. 10 Embry-Riddle in the NCAA South Region semifinals, before falling to top-ranked Barry in the regional final. The team finished 21-7 overall (6-2 GSC), went a perfect 6-0 at home, and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
Emma Roberts and Rocio Martinez were both named First Team All-GSC, with Roberts also delivering a statement singles win in the NCAA regional final over a top-5 nationally ranked opponent. Roberts ended the year ranked No. 13 in ITA singles, helping lead a veteran roster that included Jules De Mata, Katharina Weber, and seniors Anna Hudson, Elena Roberts, and Alizée Ripolles.
On the men's side, Mississippi College posted a 16-11 record (5-3 GSC) and earned its first-ever NCAA regional appearance. The team overcame a challenging start to the season and developed momentum down the stretch, highlighted by a win over Harding and an intense battle against the No. 2 team in the country in the regional opener.
Sophomore Alex Benichou Blanchard earned GSC Player of the Year honors for the second straight season, becoming the first player in conference history to win the award back-to-back. He achieved a career-best national singles ranking of No. 2. He was joined by Second Team All-GSC honoree Rafael Sabio and senior captain Alvaro Saint Martin, who anchored the team’s leadership core.
Ward's 2025 campaign followed another strong year in 2024, when the men finished ranked #17 nationally and the women ranked #20, with both teams reaching the GSC Championship match. That season included a breakout campaign from Blanchard, who was named GSC Player and Freshman of the Year, National Rookie of the Year, and an ITA All-American, finishing ranked #5 in singles. On the women’s side, Ely Alas and Fer Cota achieved a #30 ITA doubles ranking, while Emma Roberts earned 1st Team All-GSC and was named the GSC Women's Tennis Champion Scholar Athlete.
In 2023, Ward coached Rafael Sabio to GSC Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-GSC honors—the first in program history—and Joe Jarvis to Second Team All-GSC as well. On the women’s side, Fernanda Cota earned First Team All-GSC with a 14-3 singles record, while Gabrielle Geolier was named Second Team All-GSC, going 15-1 in singles and undefeated at the No. 2 and 3 spots.
Ward’s impact on the Mississippi College tennis culture has been marked by a clear upward trajectory, player development, and a family-like atmosphere within the program. He credits his success to a strong support system, including Assistant Coach Brady McDaniel, volunteers Stan and Colleen Roberts, and the unwavering support of Athletic Director Kenny Bizot.
“My expectation is that this is just the beginning,” Ward said. “Our university deserves championship banners hanging in the coliseum—and we’re working daily to earn them.”
As Mississippi College tennis moves forward, the bar has been raised—and under Ward’s leadership, the Choctaws are set to compete at the highest levels for years to come.
