The coronavirus pandemic not only forced the premature end of Madison Autry’s tennis season, it also just happened to be her senior season.
While the news would have deflated some, Autry took it in stride. Part of the relief came in the form of a letter of intent she recently signed to continue her academic and athletic careers at East Central Community College.
“If I wasn’t playing, I’d be a lot more upset over it,” Autry said. “It was disappointing for sure, but there’s nothing that can be done. I’m not dying; I just can’t play my last tennis season. It’s disappointing, but it’s OK.”
Autry played tennis for the Whippets for three seasons, and said she has accumulated a trove of memories she will carry with her to East Central Community College. They include winning the region championship last season and making the state tournament, and playing with her tennis partner, fellow senior Lakelynn Fancher.
She added, with a laugh, “I dove for a tennis ball, and then they didn’t return it, so that was a good memory.”
When it comes to self-evaluation, Autry said her development with the sport has grown from just on-court skills.
“I’ve definitely grown mentally playing tennis because it’s a mental game for sure,” she said. “Also, I’ve definitely improved with basic skills as well as intentional plays in the game.”
Autry said she aspired to attend East Central Community College long before she considered playing tennis at the school. She recalled sitting at home one evening and envisioned playing tennis for the program and head coach Jay Pacelli, but was unsure as to go about contacting him. Her prayers were answered when she received a message that evening from Pacelli.
“He messaged me, and when he talked about tennis I got excited because I wanted to go there, school-wise,” Autry said. “I also knew they had a really good tennis program, so if I could play there, I knew that would be really nice.”
As far as what attracted her to East Central, Autry said, “I think it’s a place that the Lord put on my heart because I had never thought about it until it was just made clear that that’s what I wanted.”
Kosciusko tennis coach Lauren Peresich said East Central is adding more than just a talented tennis player to its roster next season.
“Madison Autry is a fantastic person on and off the court,” Peresich said. “She is a strong leader and has outstanding talent. I had to opportunity to teach Madison, as well, and she is also very intelligent. She has focused the last three years that I have been a coach on the tennis team on getting better every single day.”
“She comes to practice to work on things she struggles with, and stays after most days, as well. East Central is not only getting her talent, but they are getting one of the most genuine and coachable people I have ever met. She is the true definition of integrity.”
