2025 MTA College Scholarship Recipients!

Each year for the past 25 years, MS Tennis Association awards 2 college scholarships to players who have demonstrated academic excellence and community involvement in addition to their exceptional tennis ability! 

This year's winners are Lucas Wrigley of Ocean Springs and Julia Fair Gaines of Tupelo! 

Lucas Wrigley: 2025 Graduate of Ocean Springs High School

Tennis Standout • Scholar • Community Leader

Lucas Wrigley’s journey in tennis began at the age of six, and over the years, he has grown into one of Mississippi’s top high school players. As a young member of a Junior Team Tennis (JTT) team, Lucas’s passion and talent were evident early on—his team advanced to sectionals in Auburn, AL, when he was just six years old. Over the next two years, he helped his teams to local victories, and his 12 & Under squad reached Sectionals in Rome, GA.

Lucas has proudly represented Mississippi in the Southern Ozaki Junior Cup across multiple age divisions: 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. A varsity player for Ocean Springs High School since 7th grade, Lucas has competed at the highest level for six consecutive years. Among his many achievements, he was the 7A Mixed Doubles State Champion and later the 7A Boys Singles State Champion, affirming his place at the top of high school tennis in the state.

Beyond high school, Lucas dominated USTA rankings in Mississippi, earning the #1 spot in every age division. Notably, he held the #1 ranking in both the 16s and 18s age groups simultaneously. He also competed at the prestigious USTA National Hard Courts in Kalamazoo, MI.

• • USTA Mississippi Ranking: #1
  • USTA Southern Section Ranking: #20

Lucas’s impressive resume also includes the George Wilkinson Award (11th grade) and the Dorothy Vest Male Player of the Year Award (12th grade), both presented for outstanding sportsmanship, performance, and dedication within USTA programs.

Lucas has committed to continuing his tennis journey at Sewanee: The University of the South, a Division III school. While Sewanee does not offer athletic scholarships, Lucas earned a partial scholarship for his exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements. A well-rounded student-athlete, Lucas maintains a 4.6 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Cotillion, and serves as a Big Brother mentor. He is also an active member of the Mayor’s Youth Council of Ocean Springs, consistently giving back to his community.

Lucas reflects on his journey with gratitude:

“At the end of the day, I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity at such a young age to fall in love with this sport, a journey that is now leading me into college tennis and the next chapter of my life.”

Lucas Wrigley is not only a standout athlete, but a model of character, leadership, and academic excellence. He comes highly recommended by his coach, employer, teachers, and, of course, his family.

Julia Fair Gaines: 2025 Graduate of Tupelo High School

Student-Athlete  •  Community Leader  • Mentor

After more than a decade of hard work, perseverance, and success on and off the tennis court, Julia Fair Gaines is graduating with distinction as a member of the Tupelo High School Class of 2025.

Julia’s journey in tennis began 11 years ago and includes competition at every level offered by the USTA—from Junior Team Tennis (JTT) and high school tennis to sanctioned tournaments. She has competed across local, state, sectional, and national stages, consistently proving her talent and tenacity. Julia advanced to the finals of the Mississippi State Closed Championships in every age division, capturing two singles titles and three doubles championships. A five-time representative for Mississippi at the prestigious Ozaki Southern Cup, she has tested her skills against the best players in the South.

Her high school tennis career started strong at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School, where she helped her team reach the 1-2A State Team Championships twice. After transferring to Tupelo High School, she was unable to compete during her transition year—but didn’t let that hold her back. Instead, she stepped up as a mentor to her teammates and even assisted in coaching younger players.

In 2024, Julia returned to competition with a vengeance, helping lead Tupelo to a 7A Team State Finalist finish and securing the 7A Girls’ Doubles State Championship. In 2025, she cemented her legacy by winning the decisive singles match that clinched the 7A State Team Championship—Tupelo’s first in over 15 years.

“Tennis has taught me discipline, confidence, and perseverance,” Julia reflects. “I wouldn’t be the same person today if it weren’t for the sport.”

Her accolades speak volumes:

• • USTA Mississippi Ranking: #2
  • USTA Southern Section Ranking: #98
  • Southern 18s Closed Sportsmanship Award (2024
  • MHSAA Individual State Tournament Sportsmanship Award (2025)
  • Dorothy Vest Female Player of the Year (2025)

Julia has also excelled in the classroom. She’s a proud member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, and has received the Deborah Servant Award at TCPS and the Coaches Award at Tupelo High School. Teachers and coaches alike commend her leadership, dedication, and integrity.

ulia’s impact extends beyond sports and academics. She founded and directed the “Serving Jarred Tennis Camp,” raising over $2,500 to support a beloved coach recovering from a life-threatening accident. Additionally, she co-organized a charity race to support the Shine Foundation, which helps children with special needs participate in sports and social events like prom.

Looking ahead, Julia Fair Gaines will attend the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where she plans to play club tennis and major in Integrated Marketing and Communications.

A scholar, athlete, and servant leader, Julia embodies the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete. The future is bright for this exceptional graduate.