COLUMBUS, Miss. – The W men's and women's tennis programs continued to add to what was already an historic season, by having a total of 11 different players earn Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) South Division post-season honors, announced on Tuesday.

Chief among the awards was one of the "big fish" honors: Men's Player of the Year, garnered by junior transfer Jorge Catala Ortiz (Santa Cruz, Bolivia). Additionally, 10 players – 5 from the men's lineup and 5 from the women's – were cited on the All-UMAC South teams, marking a first for MUW tennis in its modern era of athletics. 

One player from each squad also earned a spot on their respective UMAC South All-Sportsmanship Team.

In addition to Catala Ortiz being recognized on the men's All-UMAC list, junior Alvaro Bardales (Tacna, Peru) was also a first-team All-UMAC South selection. Second-team honorees included junior Spaniards Marcos Fernandez (Madrid, Spain) and Juan Garcia (Ses Salines, Majorca, Spain). Sophomore Sandro Giangregorio (Carabodo, Venezuela) was an Honorable mention pick.

Bardales was also honored on the UMAC South All-Sportsmanship Team.

"I am extremely proud of Alvaro (Bardales) for earning first-team all-conference," MUW first-year Head Coach Hayden Embry reflected. "Day in and day out, he was an absolute force at the bottom of the lineup; someone opponents knew they were going to have to battle. Seeing him get recognized like this means everything. He's the only player on the men's side I've had the privilege of coaching since August to earn this honor, and it couldn't have gone to someone more deserving. The consistency, toughness, and effort he brought every single day paid off.

"And having the Player of the Year on our team (in my first year), that's something I won't forget. Jorge is a true competitor in every sense. Watching him battle through injuries and find his rhythm after nearly two years away from the game was incredible. Nothing about his journey was easy—and that's exactly what makes this so meaningful. This is just the beginning for him as an Owl, and I have no doubt he's going to keep climbing." 

For the MUW ladies, four team members were named All-UMAC South second team. The quartet included junior Austin Hays (Caledonia, Miss.), freshman Bailey Flynn (Amory, Miss.), junior Kayleigh Griffin (Houston, Miss.), and senior Brooklyn Ward (Columbus, Miss.). 

Senior Emma Horton (Caledonia, Miss.) was an Honorable Mention selection. Additionally, sophomore Alaina Mathis (Brookhaven, Miss.) was recognized on the UMAC South All-Sportsmanship Team, as well.

"I couldn't be prouder of this group with our first-ever all-conference selections in school history," Embry said. "This is a huge step forward for our program and a direct reflection of the work, commitment, and belief these players have shown from day one. That kind of recognition speaks volumes about the culture we're building. The future is bright."