Antonaki's All-American Accomplishment

STARKVILLE – In the 47-year history of Mississippi State women's tennis, only two student-athletes have ever been selected as an All-American in singles.

One of those women, Emmanouela Antonaki, attained the honor last season when she reached the Round of 16 at the NCAA Singles Championship in Orlando, Florida. However, the Athens, Greece native admits that she did not quite understand the importance of what she had accomplished at the time.

"I really didn't know what an All-American is because I'm not from the U.S.," Antonaki said. "I didn't know how big that was until last year when I won the second-round match against (Mia) Horvit from South Carolina."

There was someone on hand last May that was more than capable of explaining just how significant being an All-American is to the Bulldogs' program. John Cade, who was working his final matches after a 30-year career working with MSU's tennis teams and knows their history better than just about anyone, came down to the court following Antonaki's 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4 comeback win over Horvit to put that victory into context for her.

"It was at that moment that I realized what a big thing that is," Antonaki said. "I was very proud of that moment."

Antonaki joined Jasmine Lee as the only other Bulldog to be named a singles All-American. Lee earned the honor twice during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Antonaki and Lee are two of only five females in the program's history to be selected as an All-American along with Jackie Holden, Claire Pollard and Lisa Marie Rioux, who received the honor in doubles.

"We told Emma from the time she got here basically that she should be aiming at that type of recognition – making the tournament and beyond and becoming an All-American," said head coach Daryl Greenan. "We saw that in her. She got it in her second full year so that's exciting for sure. She's a great kid to work with too."

An addition to her All-American status, Antonaki was also a first team All-SEC selection in 2021. As a freshman, she was tabbed the ITA Southern Region Rookie of the Year and a second team All-SEC pick.

This season, Antonaki has her sights set on becoming a two-time All-American and adding even more accolades and accomplishments to her resume.

"It's one of my goals this year," Antonaki said. "I want to make more history. I don't think there's anybody who has made the NCAA's four times so that's another motivation for me. I ask myself 'why shouldn't I be the one?' I'm trying and looking forward to it."

Antonaki is ranked No. 50 in the country and is currently 3-2 in singles this spring and a perfect 4-0 in doubles with partner Tamara Racine. In fact, Antonaki and Racine enter Saturday's doubleheader with North Alabama riding a six-match winning streak dating back to the fall.

GREEK HISTORY

Antonaki's friendship with teammate Magda Adaloglou dates back more than a decade. The two started competing against one another back in their homeland of Greece at the age of 10.

In fact, Adaloglou and former Bulldog Anastasia Rentouli played a big part in Antonaki choosing to attend Mississippi State in the first place.

"Magda and Anastasia Rentouli were the two Greek girls on the team when I came here," Antonaki said. "They were the main reasons why I came to Mississippi State because when I first decided to come to the U.S., my English wasn't so good. I was a bit scared about the language barrier and going to a different country for so long away from my family. But (MSU) had two other Greek girls who could help me with the orientation, the coaches and the environment. Magda and Ana helped me through things a lot, both mentally and physically. They were there for me all the time."

Adaloglou and Rentouli helped introduce Antonaki to the team concept of collegiate tennis, something that was foreign to her growing up playing as an individual across Europe. In fact, it is one of the things that she has enjoyed best about her time in Starkville.

"What I like most being here at Mississippi State is being part of a team," Antonaki said. "Tennis is an individual sport and most of my life was spent traveling by myself and playing for myself. Since I've been here, I've felt what it's like to be part of the team and competing for something bigger than yourself. I'm very grateful for the teammates that I have and the coaches and facilities."

SOUVLAKI, GYROS AND FRIED CHICKEN

Another aspect Antonaki had to adapt to in America is its cuisine. She really misses souvlaki and gyros – especially those made by her grandmother – back home in Greece.

But there are a couple of standard American staples that she has grown accustomed to since she arrived in 2018.

"I'd never had the fried chicken before so that was something special to try," Antonaki said. "Another big traditional food was Thanksgiving with the turkey and the big meals that we have when we go to our associate head coach Sachin Kirtaine's home. That's something that I will miss."

RETURNING IN 2023

Although Antonaki is a senior, she will have an opportunity to achieve her goals thanks to an extra year of eligibility being awarded after COVID-19 cut her 2020 campaign short.

"I'm coming back next year," Antonaki said. "I'm very thankful and happy that I'm going to graduate when I'm 23 with a bachelor's and master's."

Mississippi State has meant a lot to Antonaki over the past four years. She is appreciative that she will have another chance to chase her dreams with her Bulldog teammates and coaches once again in 2023.

"I'm just grateful for all that I have and all the people that I've met and all the resources they've provided me with," Antonaki said. "The words thankful and grateful are not enough for the experience that I've had here."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Antonaki's All-American Accomplishment

Players Mentioned

Magda Adaloglou

Emmanouela Antonaki

Tamara Racine

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