Sydney Jackson has thrived this season in her role as No. 1 singles player, and as a member of the No. 1 doubles team for Hope College women's tennis.
The junior from Fort Wayne, Indiana (Carroll HS) went undefeated (8-0) in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association matches in both of those roles. As a result, Jackson was voted the league's Most Valuable Player.
With Jackson leading the way, the Flying Dutch won all eight of their league matches and claimed the 28th MIAA championship in team history. Hope has captured a record setting seven consecutive MIAA titles.
Jackson is receiving the honor of MIAA MVP for the second year in a row, is the Flying Dutch's 18th MIAA MVP, and the fifth Hope recipient in a row. The biomedical and bioelectrical engineering major joins teammate and No. 1 doubles partner freshman Sullivan Patel on the All-MIAA first team. Sophomore Annika Weeber is a second-team selection.
"As Sydney looks to wrap up an extremely accomplished Hope College Tennis Career, her senior year campaign has been nothing short of exemplary! During her tenure as a member of the Flying Dutch Women's Tennis Team, Jackson has been given the honor of being selected to the All MIAA 1st Team every year of play," said head coach Austin Hunt. "Sydney spent her senior year as the Flying Dutch's team captain and has provided a legacy for future team captains to reference and live up to. She will absolutely be missed and it has been an honor to coach her!
Patel (Birmingham, Michigan / Wylie E. Groves) excelled in MIAA play. The first year player went 8-0 against MIAA opponents at both No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles, as well as ranked #22 in the ITA Central Region in singles and #17 in doubles play.
"Sullivan's freshman campaign can be characterized by her making a massive splash onto the scene of Hope College Women's Tennis, the MIAA Conference and the ITA Central Region as a whole!" said Hunt of Patel. "She's had an incredible year and will look to go into the offseason strong and ready to put in the work necessary to come back and have just as much success in her sophomore campaign."
Weeber (Rockford, Michigan / Grand Rapids Christian) is receiving MIAA honors for the first time in her career. The exercise science major and spanish minor went 8-0 at No. 3 singles and 6-2 at No. 3 doubles in MIAA matches with partner junior Delanie Reibschleger.
"After a strong freshman season, Annika came into this year with the goal of making the splash into consideration of being among the conference's elite," Hunt said of Weeber. "This recognition will absolutely fuel Weeber to continue training hard over her offseason in order to come back and repeat and improve in her junior season! Weeber's drive and work ethic are amazing assets to this women's tennis team and we are very excited to see her continue to grow!"