Britain's Frediani showing the way for AU women's tennis
By Liesa Armstrong | Sports writer
Madeline Frediani, Augusta University tennis player and team captain, is in full swing for her last season of collegiate play.
Frediani, who hails from Preston, England (near Manchester), has been playing tennis for Augusta University for two years. The Jaguars are off to a 3-2 start to the 2024 spring campaign, including a 4-3 win over Mount Olive last week (Feb. 16) at Newman Tennis Center.
“I ended up at Augusta University because for the longest time I have always wanted to play collegiate tennis in America,” she said. “I spent my freshman and sophomore year at Georgia State University but ended up transferring. After talking to lots of schools, I fell in love with Augusta.”
Frediani, who plays No. 1 singles for the Jaguars, was recruited by AU Coach Michael McGrath.
“When I came on a visit to Augusta University, coach McGrath reached out to me,” she said. “I loved the AU campus and the facilities, but more importantly how much Coach McGrath seemed to genuinely care about the girls and their relationships with each other.”.
Frediani is a senior majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in health science.
“After graduation, my aim is to stay in America and pursue my master’s degree somewhere in athletic training whilst being a graduate assistant for a college tennis team,” said Frediani, “I really want to give back on all the experiences I have been through as a college tennis player.”
For Frediani, tennis is a family affair.
“I started playing tennis because my brother and sister both played it,” she said. “After a vacation in Portugal, a coach recognized my talent and said I should take it seriously.”
So, in the North West of England, she grew her game.
“Back at home, I played mainly individual but also competed for my academy, winning multiple national championships as a team,” says Frediani, “My relationship with my coach in England is amazing. She is like a second mum to me. She was my coach from the age of 4-17 and is still there to support me.”
Although Frediani is 1-4 this spring at No. 1, the team has wins over Benedict, Middle Georgia and Mount Olive.
“My favorite thing about being on the tennis team is that I get to be a leader and captain for my younger teammates,” said Frediani, “I love the fact that we are from all over the world so you get to learn about different ways of life.” Frediani goes on to explain that the men’s and women’s tennis teams here at AU are very close with each other.
“If I had to choose one word that describes my team, it would be family,” says Frediani. “Once I graduate, I will miss being able to do the sport I love that I’ve spent my life playing day in day out with my best friends.”
The AU women will host Emmanuel on Friday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. at Newman Tennis Center. The Jaguars will host USC Sumter on Sunday, Feb. 25, also at 1 p.m.
Contact Liesa Armstrong at LIARMSTRONG@augusta.edu.
Madeline Frediani with the St. George’s Cross, the flag of England. At the top of the page, Frediana shows her backhand form. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)
