BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference announced its All-GSC teams and yearly award winners for the 2023 men's tennis season, as selected by the conference's head coaches.
Rafael Sabio became the first Choctaw in program-history to win the league's top freshman award while also earning Second Team All-GSC Honors. The rookie finished the season with a 7-7 record overall while playing exclusive at the No. 2 position in the singles lineup. He also registered a 9-8 overall record in doubles from court one alongside teammate Felipe Iser.
Joe Jarvis, was named to the second team All-Gulf South Conference after finishing with an 10-5 record in singles matches. He was particularly strong in conference play, where he won three of his five matches. In doubles matches, Jarvis teamed up with Walker Ellis and Antoine Nivault, finishing with an 8-8 record.
GSC RELEASE
Valdosta State captured two of the three major awards as Luca Mack was voted the GSC Player of the Year, while John Hansen was tabbed as Coach of the Year. Mississippi College's Rafael Sabio was named Freshman of the Year.
Mack posted an impressive overall record of 12-0 during the regular season and 9-0 mark in conference action, while playing exclusive at court one. The junior also notched a doubles record of 13-1 alongside partner Rodrigo Carvalho as they featured as the No. 1 tandem for the Blazers. Mack became the 13th men's tennis player from VSU to win the conference's top award and the first since Leo Blay won its 2016 and 2017.
For the 13th in his career, Hansen was awarded with the conference's top coaching honor, after steering Valdosta State to an flawless 14-0 record overall and 9-0 mark in the GSC play, in addition to being ranked No. 2 in Division II by the ITA.
2023 GSC MEN'S TENNIS AWARDS
First Team
Luca Mack, Valdosta State
Rodrigo Carvalho, Valdosta State
Facundo Bermejo, West Florida
Muhamad Bedwan, Auburn Montgomery
Tomas Descarrega, West Florida
Nico Ramirez, Lee
Francisco Faria, Lee
Christian Wedel, Valdosta State
Second Team
Rafael Sabio, Mississippi College
Joe Jarvis, Mississippi College
Ilari Vesanen, West Alabama
Emiliano Elizarraraz, Delta State
Santiago Kearney, West Florida
Christian Felline, Valdosta State
Lucas Hammond, West Alabama
Sebastian Rondon, West Florida
Player of the Year: Luca Mack, Valdosta State
Freshman of the Year: Rafael Sabio, Mississippi College
Coach of the Year: John Hansen, Valdosta State
