A Culture that Feels like Home

Mississippi State women's tennis freshmen Mia Robinson and Thessy Ntondele Zinga describe the culture they stepped into this season in three words: Tight-knit, Competitive, and Joyful.

"We goof off, we laugh, we smile, we make fun of each other," Robinson said. "But we fight for each other, we compete hard, and we focus. I don't think you can ask for anything else."

For Robinson, who calls South Carolina home, and Ntondele Zinga who is from France, that culture is what made Mississippi State feel like home, even before they officially committed to the university.

Though the roster features players from across the country and around the world, the bond feels immediate. According to Ntondele Zinga, being far from home creates a connection that makes the team even tighter.

"We are from everywhere, but we do everything together." Ntondele Zinga said.

That closeness has defined their freshman seasons, both on and off the court.

On the court. The duo has found success in many different ways to begin their careers. Robinson, who is a former 5-star recruit, is currently undefeated in singles with a record of 7-0. Ntondele Zinga has posted a 8-2 in singles and 8-1 in doubles with partner Emma Cohen. Back on January 21, Ntondele Zinga was named SEC Freshman of the Week after earning a doubleheader sweep in both singles and doubles to open the 2026 season. She became just the ninth Bulldog in program history to earn SEC Freshman of the Week honors, and the first since 2024.

The transition to college wasn't just about adjusting to SEC tennis for Robinson. It meant also stepping into a traditional classroom for the first time.
"I've never been in a classroom until the first day of school [at Mississippi State] in August," Robinson said.

Robinson's path to the classroom looked different long before she arrived in Starkville. Homeschooled by her mom through fifth grade before transitioning to online school through Liberty University for middle and high school, she had never experienced a traditional classroom setting. When she stepped onto campus in August, the academic adjustment was just as significant as the jump to SEC play.

But if there was ever a doubt about where she belonged, it disappeared during her first visit to Starkville. Mississippi State was her first official visit and within 48 hours, she knew Starkville was home.

"It checked all my boxes," Robinson said. "Being on campus during my tour, I just felt God's presence and like I was supposed to be here. I wanted to commit that night."

Though her parents encouraged her to explore more options, Robinson never wavered.

"I knew I could go to 100 different schools, and it was always going to be [Mississippi State]."

Coming from a tennis family. Her brother, Chase Robinson currently plays at Liberty; her father played at Clemson and her mother at Coastal Carolina; Collegiate tennis was familiar territory. What stood out about Mississippi State, however, was the intentionality.

"The coaches put a lot of effort into recruiting me, and it showed," Robinson said. "I love the way they coach, and I love the way the team connects."

Since arriving, Robinson says she has grown in ways beyond tennis. She says she's grown in confidence and maturity. When she came back from Christmas break, her teammates mentioned that they have noticed she has matured, and that meant a lot to her.

If she had to describe this chapter in one word?

"Enjoyable," she said. "I've never enjoyed playing tennis as much as I do right now, with this team."

Ntondele Zinga's journey to Mississippi State took a different route.

"Honestly, I never thought I would come to college," she said.

After competing internationally, she only decided late last year to explore collegiate tennis. The process moved quickly, four other visits which included Houston, Kentucky, San Diego, and San Diego State in April before making her final decision.

"I chose [Mississippi State] because this is where I felt the most comfortable," Ntondele Zinga said. "Even though the city is very different than my home [in France], I feel really good here."

Adjusting from France to Starkville meant new routines, a new language and a new style of competition. "At the beginning, I was nervous for school and having to speak more English," she said. "But actually, it's not bad. I think my English is a lot better now."

The biggest difference? The team atmosphere.

"In college, we play for each other," Ntondele Zinga said. "It's very fun."

That support system at State, made up of coaches and teammates, has helped her grow more independent, learning to navigate life away from home while balancing academics and athletics.

Her goals remain simple. "Play my best every match and have fun."

Two different paths brought the freshman here, but in Starkville, Robinson and Ntondele Zinga found the same thing. A team that feels like family.

Mississippi State University Athletics

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Emma Cohen

Thessy Ntondele Zinga

Mia Robinson

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