Horsham's Steffi McDonald has collected the latest accolade of her American tennis career, debuting in the top 50 of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics women's national rankings.
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McDonald - who transferred to Blue Mountain College in Mississippi midway through the year - ranked 42nd nationally in women's singles.
The former St Michael's star made it to the round of 16 at the ITA South Regional in New Orleans, widely regarded as the toughest region in the country.
McDonald was the first player to win a main draw in Blue Mountain College's history.
The top four nationally ranked players hail from the ITA South Region.
Blue Mountain College coach Randall Knox praised McDonald's efforts.
"I'm extremely proud of Steffi. The ranking she's accomplished is a reflection of her hard work throughout the fall," he said. "I'm really excited for her and I'm looking forward to the spring season and how far she can climb the singles ranking."
McDonald formerly played for Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky.
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