Hall of Fame
Joplin High School's Melissa (Hoffmeister) Sanders capped a scintillating prep tennis career by winning the MSHSAA Class 2 singles in 2005.
She was making her fourth state appearance while also reigning in the Ozark Conference and district titles in those seasons for coach Sean McWilliams.
Sanders, who received a Wynn Award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, continued her tennis success at the University of Arkansas by earning three letters.
During her time in Fayetteville, Sanders helped the Razorbacks to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) West Division Championship in 2008 and the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.
Sanders, 132-13 for JHS, was introduced early to tennis. Hardly a surprise considering her parents (Kurt and Susan) and older sisters Laura and Sarah. Sanders earned four Ozark Conference singles titles and four district championships.
Melissa joined her sister Laura and Erin Rosenberg who provided the Eagles with a state doubles championship.
Kurt and Susan (Hacker) played tennis at Drury University in Springfield. Laura played tennis at Rhodes College in Memphis, while Sarah opted for volleyball at Missouri Southern.
