Columbus, Miss. — The Mississippi University for Women’s men’s and women’s tennis teams achieved a historic milestone by earning 11 All-UMAC South Division honors, announced Tuesday. The awards include the first Player of the Year honor for the program, awarded to junior transfer Jorge Catala Ortiz.
Catala Ortiz, from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, was recognized as the top player in the division. Junior Alvaro Bardales from Tacna, Peru, also received first-team All-UMAC South honors. Other first-team selections included Spaniards Marcos Fernandez and Juan Garcia. Sophomore Sandro Giangregorio was named to the honorable mention list. Bardales also earned a spot on the UMAC South All-Sportsmanship Team, as did each team’s selected player.
On the women’s side, four players made the All-UMAC South second team, including juniors Austin Hays, Kayleigh Griffin, and Brooklyn Ward, along with freshman Bailey Flynn. Senior Emma Horton was an honorable mention pick, and sophomore Alaina Mathis received All-Sportsmanship recognition.
First-year MUW Coach Hayden Embry praised his players’ achievements. “I am extremely proud of Alvaro for earning first-team all-conference,” Embry said. “He was an absolute force at the bottom of the lineup. Jorge’s Player of the Year honor is a testament to his perseverance and competitive spirit. Watching him battle back from injuries after nearly two years away was incredible. This is just the beginning for him as an Owl.”
Embry also highlighted the women’s accomplishments, calling their honors a significant step forward for the program. “This recognition reflects the work and commitment these players have shown since day one. The future is bright for MUW tennis,” he said.
