FRISCO, Texas – Five New Orleans Privateers tennis players received Southland Conference All-Academic recognition, the conference office announced on Wednesday afternoon. The men's team had four representatives while
Marta Sans made the list from the women's team.
Sans, a chemistry major, is now a two-time All-Academic selection and carried a 4.0 GPA through her senior season while polishing up her fourth year on the court. Sans had an overall GPA of 3.9 while helping guide the Privateers to a nine-win turnaround from last season and an appearance in the semifinals of the Southland Conference tournament. Sans will be continuing her studies in the Master's program at the University of Texas.
"I think Marta from the time she's been here to now, she has displayed so many leadership skills not only from being one of our top players but leading by example in the classroom. She is dedicated across the board. She'll be attending the University of Texas on a full scholarship. She's a hard worker and this is what we strive for as far as student athletes," said Coach
Burzis Kanga.
On the men's side, the Privateers led all teams in selections, earning four spots including two automatic choices.
Blake Gregor and
Rui Silva were automatic picks after having the required GPA and being selected to the Southland Conference First Team in doubles. Silva has now landed on the All-Academic list twice.
Also voted on were
Timo Kranz and
Romain Lefevre. Kranz, a business administration major, was the only player on the All-Academic team to carry a 4.0 GPA. Lefevre burst onto the scene and had a spectacular spring for the Privateers, earning conference co-champion honors at #5 singles while maintaining a 3.8 in business administration.
"Timo and Rui have always been outstanding student-athletes. Their ability in the classroom is nothing short of being just very sharp kids. Romain and Blake are examples to show through hard work and perseverance what they have accomplished all of this through their senior years. They've performed on the courts and in the classroom," said Kanga.
Since joining the Southland, the Privateers have landed multiple members on the All-Academic team all three seasons. After earning three selections (
Hossam Meligy, Ricardo Campos, and Abdelrahman Zaki) in 2013, the Privateers had two selections last year (Silva and
Christoffer Appelgren).
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