Xavier College Preparatory scored four tennis honors this season and is looking to make it a handful.

Madison Clarke
Madison Clarke

The first came in a package delivered by Madison Clarke, a senior who captured the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s Division I high school girls state singles May 1. It marked her third straight title when she defeated Corinne Prost of Peoria’s Liberty High School.

Clarke was one of only 38 young women nationwide to be named a 2015 All-American by the National High School Tennis All-American Foundation, an honor that she received last year as well. She is the top-seeded player on the Xavier team.

The Xavier duo of Scarlet Rush and Caroline James brought their school a second honor by placing third in the Division I state doubles match May 2. The trio will join the remaining Gators to defend their state championship title in the quarterfinals May 6.

They anticipate advancing to the state team tournament at the Paseo Racquet Club in Glendale May 9. Xavier has held the state title in tennis for the last three years.

Laurie Martin, far right, is pictured with her daughter Courtney, husband Stan Martin and daughter Amanda. Not pictured are daughter Natalie and son Tanner. (courtesy photo)
Laurie Martin, far right, is pictured with her daughter Courtney, husband Stan Martin and daughter Amanda. Not pictured are daughter Natalie and son Tanner. (courtesy photo)

Until that state team tournament concludes, Xavier can at least claim a pair of other honors, thanks to the hard work of its coaches. Roseanne Collins, an eight-year volunteer with Xavier’s tennis program, was awarded the Volunteer School Instructor of the Year at the United States Tennis Association of Central Arizona’s award banquet April 25.

Laurie Martin, varsity tennis coach, and her family won the UTSA’s “Family of the Year Award” at the same banquet for their significant contributions to the game of tennis. Martin’s daughter, Amanda, serves as Xavier’s assistant coach focusing on doubles players.