Caurie Clayton and Evans Henderson Named 2026 Mississippi Tennis Association College Scholarship Recipients

JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Tennis Association (USTA Mississippi) has officially announced New Albany High School’s Caurie Clayton and Madison Central’s Evans Henderson as recipients of the prestigious 2026 MTA College Scholarship.

Now in its 26th year, the annual scholarship recognizes a select group of entering college freshmen who demonstrate a rare combination of exceptional tennis achievement, academic excellence, and community involvement. The highly competitive award provides $4,000 in educational assistance distributed over four years.  

A Legacy of Championship Excellence

Caurie Clayton leaves behind one of the most decorated high school tennis careers in recent Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) history. As a cornerstone of the powerhouse New Albany High School tennis program, she helped lead the Bulldogs to five consecutive 4A State Team Championships, and is a part of a program that has played in the state championship team final for 14 consecutive years.

Clayton’s individual accomplishments on the court are impressive as well, as she captured three 4A Individual State Championships, securing two state titles in girls' doubles and an additional title in mixed doubles.  In addition to high school tennis accolades, Clayton was an avid USTA junior player during her career, with a career high ranking of 23 in the state.

Her relentless drive and elite skill set earned her numerous postseason honors, including:

• Selection to the MAC All-Star Tennis North Team
• All-State Tennis Team honors
• Named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the New Albany High School tennis team

Beyond the Court

While her tennis resume speaks for itself, Clayton’s impact stretched far beyond the baselines in New Albany. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, she balanced her tennis schedule with life as a Varsity Cheerleader, ultimately earning the elite distinction of UCA All-American. She was also an active leader on campus, dedicating her time to a wide variety of school clubs and civic organizations.

For Clayton, the sport is deeply woven into her identity, as she comes from a family of tennis players.  Two of Clayton’s sisters played collegiate tennis, both of her parents are avid players, and her grandmother is a legendary tennis volunteer in New Albany.

"I have always grown up around tennis and hope it continues to be a part of my life," Clayton shared in a personal statement regarding what the sport means to her. "Over the years, tennis has taught me many things, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it."

The Next Chapter

The daughter of Brad and Jamie Clayton, Caurie will take her championship work ethic to Starkville this fall. She is set to attend Mississippi State University, where she will major in Interior Design.

With the backing of the Mississippi Tennis Association and a hometown legacy built on dedication, leadership, and athletic dominance, Clayton is poised for continued success at the next level.

A Championship Legacy on the Court

Evans Henderson concludes an illustrious high school career as one of the premier tennis talents in Mississippi, leaving an unforgettable legacy with the Madison Central Jaguars. A natural leader, Henderson served as a proud team captain for two seasons, anchored by multiple MHSAA 7A Team State Championships at the highest level of Mississippi prep sports.

In addition to driving his team’s collective dominance, Henderson proved to be a powerhouse individual competitor, securing back-to-back individual state titles across multiple divisions:

• 2025: Captured the MHSAA 7A Individual Mixed Doubles State Title
• 2026: Secured the MHSAA 7A Individual Boys’ Doubles State Title

Following his standout senior campaign, Henderson was chosen as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the Madison Central tennis team. His ultimate high school accolade came when he was honored with the prestigious Jag Award, recognizing the student-athlete who best exemplifies the character, integrity, leadership, and spirit of Madison Central.

Elite Leadership, Citizenship, and 100+ Hours of Service

Off the court, Henderson’s achievements reflect a profound dedication to community impact and personal excellence. He successfully earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America.

A prominent young leader in his community, Henderson accumulated more than 100 hours of community service across multiple initiatives. His active civic involvement includes serving on the Madison Mayor's Youth Council, alongside active memberships in the National Honor Society and the National Beta Club.

Academically, Henderson thrived under rigorous standards, graduating from Madison Central with Special Distinction as a Mississippi Scholar, maintaining a stellar 3.94 Quality Point Average (QPA).

For Henderson, however, the ultimate reward of the sport has always been the lifelong community and bonds tennis builds.

"I have met so many great people through tennis and it has introduced me to so many of my close friends," Henderson reflected. "One of my opponents will even be my roommate in college, and that's one of the things that is so special about tennis."

Headed to Starkville

This fall, Henderson will bring his championship work ethic and servant-leadership to Mississippi State University. He will major in Agribusiness / Agriculture and Life Sciences, blending his analytical talents with his passion for the outdoors and life sciences.

Backed by the Mississippi Tennis Association and a hometown legacy built on dedication, character, and fellowship, Henderson is exceptionally well-equipped to thrive in his next chapter as a Bulldog.