Fia Lindsay and Marilyn Gaston played Nos. 1 and 2 singles for North Muskegon’s girls tennis team this spring.
In a lot of ways, they were like a 1 and 1a for Norse coach Cody Liverance.
The seniors both received Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Division 4 all-state honors in singles for the 2024 season. Lindsay made first-team all-state, while Gaston was all-state honorable mention.
“Our program is going to miss both of them immensely, not just for what they were able to achieve on the court, but for the way they carried themselves off of it,” Liverance said. “Not only were they two of the best players in our storied program’s history, they were as good or better young women and that’s an even tougher pill to swallow as a coach knowing they won’t be back next year.
“We hope to carry on their winning legacy and know they’ll be in our corner in the future supporting our program just like we’ll be supporting them in all the amazing things they’re going to do this fall and beyond.”
Fia Lindsay, North Muskegon
This is Lindsay’s second season earning all-state accolades. Last year, she received all-state honorable mention.
Lindsay posted a 21-5 record this season at No. 1 singles. She was West Michigan Conference runner-up and regional champion. She was seeded sixth at the Division 4 state finals and made it to the quarterfinals, holding her seed and earning North Muskegon two points.
“Fia was the model of consistency and the epitome of leading by example,” Liverance said. “Her calm, cool demeanor is so crucial in tennis.”
All-state honorable mention
This is the third straight season in which Gaston has earned all-state honors. In 2022, she was all-state honorable mention in doubles. In 2023, she was first-team all-state in singles.
This season, Gaston posted a 22-2 record at No. 2 singles. At that flight, she won Greater Muskegon Athletic Association, WMC, and regional titles.
“Marilyn was more animated and wore her passion on her sleeve,” Liverance said, “but we needed that to rub off on our team and I hope it has for our returning girls.”
Liverance said he could not be more proud of Lindsay and Gaston not only for their achievements this season but for what they’ve accomplished in their four years.
“Marilyn was a state champion at No. 4 doubles in 2021 and Fia has held down a singles spot in our lineup for four straight years, both extremely impressive feats with the competition we play and the talent level of our team the last few years,” Liverance said.
“They were botht he unquestioned leaders and captains of our team this season, both in voice and demeanor.”
