Mississippi State Freshmen Embrace Team Culture of Family and Competition
Mississippi State University’s women’s tennis team is fostering a culture described by freshmen Mia Robinson and Thessy Ntondele Zinga as tight-knit, competitive, and joyful. Robinson, from South Carolina, and Ntondele Zinga, from France, shared that their team feels like family, despite members coming from across the country and around the world, according to sources familiar with the program.
Robinson, a former five-star recruit, boasts an undefeated singles record of 7-0 this season. Ntondele Zinga has posted an 8-2 singles record and an 8-1 doubles record with teammate Emma Cohen. Ntondele Zinga was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Jan. 21 after a doubleheader sweep, becoming the ninth Bulldog in program history to earn the honor.
Both players credited the team’s camaraderie for their successful freshman campaigns. Robinson, who was homeschooled before arriving at Mississippi State, said her first visit to Starkville convinced her she belonged. “It checked all my boxes,” she said. “I felt God’s presence and knew I was supposed to be here. I wanted to commit that night.”
Robinson’s path to college tennis was influenced by her tennis family background. Her brother plays at Liberty University, and her parents played at Clemson and Coastal Carolina. She praised the coaching staff’s effort during recruitment and said her confidence and maturity have grown since arriving.
Ntondele Zinga’s journey was different. After competing internationally, she decided late last year to explore college tennis, visiting four schools before choosing Mississippi State. She cited feeling comfortable on campus as her main reason for selecting the program. Adjusting to life in Starkville involved overcoming language barriers and adapting to a new style of play, but she said her English has improved significantly.
Both freshmen emphasized the importance of team support. Ntondele Zinga noted that in college, players compete for each other, which creates a fun environment. Her goals are simple: play her best every match and enjoy the experience. Despite their different backgrounds, Robinson and Ntondele Zinga found a shared sense of belonging at Mississippi State, where they feel the team is truly a family.
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