JACKSON, Miss. - For the first time in its rich history, the Northeast Mississippi Community College athletic department can claim multiple teams that are scholastically the best in the Magnolia State.
Four programs to be precise were recognized by the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) as the 2025 Academic Team of the Year for its respective sport.
That includes the two newest offerings by Northeast in men's and women's cross country. The Lady Tigers boasted a stellar grade point average (GPA) of 3.81 while the Tigers registered an overall 2.9 GPA.
None of the ladies had a GPA lower than a 3.6. East Union High School's Briley Lesley, who placed inside the top five at the regional race in Huntsville, Ala., led the way with a flawless 4.0 GPA.
Eva Null of Kossuth concluded a memorable freshman year at Northeast with a 3.91 GPA. She was the individual region runner-up, the Lady Tigers' top finisher at the national championship and a homecoming court selection.
Austin Hairrell from Tishomingo County High School and Corinth's Ethan Nelms guided the Tigers' efforts in the classroom with GPAs of 3.45 and 3.0 on the dot, respectively.
Both cross country teams captured the inaugural National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 23 titles and competed at nationals in Richmond, Va., during their debut campaigns.
"Our academic success just reflects the culture that we've worked hard to build," said Northeast cross country coach Aaron Hight. "One that values discipline, time management and excellence in every area of life. We want to attack life with intentionality and grit."
Northeast's women's tennis team compiled an astounding 3.88 GPA. It was the highest GPA in the MACCC among the 19 total activities that are supported by its affiliated institutions.
The Lady Tigers had three perfect 4.0s, including the Booneville duo of Allie Beth Gillespie and Lilly Melson plus Annsleigh Fair from Iuka. They did not have a GPA below a 3.6 just like women's cross country.
"I can't say enough about my ladies," Northeast tennis coach Mark Gilliland said. "We get grade reports and I didn't even have to open them. I knew it was going to be all A's every time. They knew what they had to do to get the job done."
The cheerleading program earned this award for the first time as well with a 3.48 GPA. Northeast fielded its largest roster ever during the 2024-25 school year with 21 members on the all-female squad.
More than half of these ladies had a GPA greater than 3.0. That includes Kossuth's Avery Greene, Lauren Mincy from East Webster High School plus the Booneville tandem of Addisyn Lauderdale and Emsley Murphy with an unblemished 4.0 GPA.
The cheerleaders were extremely busy once again with responsibilities at home basketball, football and volleyball games. They were also present at other on-campus events such as pep rallies and Meet the Tigers.
"This is a great accomplishment," said Northeast cheer coach Chasity Moore. "I'm impressed and proud of the hard work and focus they've had in the classroom."
In addition, the Northeast football (2.97), softball (3.71) and men's tennis (3.75) programs were all runner-up for MACCC Academic Team of the Year. Men's tennis finished only one hundredth of a point behind winner Northwest Mississippi Community College.
Softball tied cheerleading for the most 4.0 GPAs with four. The Tigers tied a program record on the field with 41 victories this spring and appeared at No. 13 in the final NJCAA Division II rankings.