Southeast Bulloch’s Stephen Mikell epitomizes the phrase “student athlete.” The 18-year-old No. 1 singles player for the Yellow Jackets capped off his senior season by going undefeated on the tennis court while still maintaining a 3.96 GPA in the classroom.

    Athletically gifted with a mean forehand, Mikell said his senior season is one he will not forget.

    “I’ve seen good players go through the area and I don’t know anyone that has gone undefeated. You won’t remember a test, but you will remember your undefeated season and all the work you had to go through,” Mikell said.

    What may be more impressive than Mikell’s undefeated season, is how quickly he became one of the Yellow Jackets’ top players.

    On a whim, Mikell decided he wanted to learn the game of tennis as a sophomore in high school. In six short months, Mikell was able to learn the game and compete on SEB’s varsity team. In his sophomore year Mikell became the No. 2 singles player on a Southeast Bulloch squad that advanced to the state playoffs.

    “I think people were very impressed with how quickly I picked up the game and being able to play second singles on a team that went to the state playoffs. I think that’s pretty impressive,” Mikell said.

    Shortly after his sophomore year, Mikell became the No. 1 singles player for his junior and senior season. Mikell’s success didn’t stop on the court however.  Currently ranked fourth in his class academically, Mikell is vice president of the chess club — winning first place in the region tournament — and placed fourth in state in boys extemporaneous speaking.

    “It’s very tough to manage my academics and athletics at the same time, but I always have to remember my academics come first. I’m not going to become a professional tennis player, but my career will be in academics,” Mikell said.

    The Beta Club and student council representative said he plans to attend Georgia Southern University where he will major in accounting.

    As a team, the Yellow Jackets were unable to advance to the state playoffs, but Mikell said he still enjoyed his final year.

    “I did everything that I would have expected of myself,” Mikell said. “Going into the season you want to win and I won every match.”

    Horace Holloman may be reached at (912) 489-9408.