This past season the Southwestern Athletic Conference crowned champions in 18 sports. In what was a remarkable athletic year, we look back at the teams that emerged as league champions. Our next flashback features the 2023 SWAC Men's Tennis Champions Alabama State University.
NEW ORLEANS, La.- The Alabama State Hornets defeated Jackson State 4-0 to claim back-to-back SWAC Men’s Tennis Tournament Titles.
It marked the first time since 2019 that ASU won consecutive titles. The Hornets dominated from start to finish after winning the doubles point to start the match off on a positive note.
Alabama State’s David Jeanne Grandinot, Samrakshyak Bajracharya, and Matis Amier picked up singles wins to clinch the title for the Hornets. ASU’s Juan Rodriguez was tabbed Most Valuable Player while head coach Anuk Christiansz took home Coach of the Year honors.
The Hornets will advance to the NCAA Regionals beginning next month after completing an undefeated season (both regular season and tournament) in conference play.
A complete listing of All-Tournament Team honors can be found below.
Most Valuable Player
Juan Rodriguez, Alabama State
Coach of the Year
Anuk Christiansz, Alabama State
All-Tournament Team
Chetanna Amadike, Alabama A&M
Francisco Vargas, Jackson State
Carlos Castillo, Jackson State
Ruan Du Preez, Alabama State
Samrakshyak Bajracharya, Alabama State
Juan Rodriguez, Alabama State
Alabama State 4, Jackson State 0
Singles
1. D. Jeanne Grandinot (ASUM) def. Raul Centeno (JSUM) 6-2, 6-4
2. Ruan Du Perez (ASUM) vs. Francisco Vargas (JSUM) 1-6, 4-3, unfinished
3. S. Bajracharya (ASUM) def. Jesus Gonzales (JSUM) 6-2, 6-3
4. Matis Amier (ASUM) def. Richy Gamo (JSUM) 6-2, 6-3
5. Kristofer Johnson (ASUM) vs. Gokalp Ayar (JSUM) 3-6, 5-3, unfinished
6. Juan Rodriguez (ASUM) vs. Carlos Castillo (JSUM) 4-6, 2-4, unfinished
Doubles
1. S. Bajracharya/Ruan Du Perez (ASUM) vs. Gokalp Ayar/Richy Gamo (JSUM) 5-1, unfinished
2. Juan Rodriguez/D. Jeanne Grandinot (ASUM) def. Francisco Vargas/Jesus Gonzales (JSUM) 6-1
3. Matis Amier/Alexandre Verlaguet (ASUM) def. Raul Centeno/Carlos Castillo (JSUM) 6-1
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (4,2,3)
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.
Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at
www.swac.org.