CLINTON, Miss. --- Mississippi College's tennis program has achieved remarkable recognition this season, with Alex Benichou Blanchard being named the ITA National Rookie of the Year.

Blanchard's accolades this season have been nothing short of historic. The French-born freshman was also honored as the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year and GSC Player of the Year, becoming the first player since 2008 to capture both titles in the same season and only the fifth in the conference's history dating back to 1986.

He joined an elite group alongside Radovan Chrz (2001), Fabien Guardiola (2000), Xavier Yssel (1994), and Daryl Greenan (1987). Blanchard is the first student-athlete from Mississippi College to earn either of these awards, reflecting his impressive impact on the court.

Head Coach Michael Ward expressed his pride in Blanchard, stating, "I am proud of Alex for such quick success in college tennis and for his immediate positive impact on our team and culture. Two strengths of Alex: he will not be satisfied with these awards—he will want to reach number one in the country as a team and as an individual and we are already discussing how to improve and accomplish those goals for next season. He will also credit others for his success and that is a big part of why he is succeeding—huge thanks and credit to Alex's parents, to his placing agent in France who trusts us to take care of him and his players, and to our team—to each guy who is working to help each other succeed and to represent and grow Mississippi College as the best tennis university in the country. Proud of Alex."

Throughout the season, Blanchard posted a stellar 16-4 singles record, predominantly playing at the No. 1 position. In doubles play, he was a combined 8-9, primarily competing at the No. 2 spot. His exceptional performance has set a new standard for future athletes at Mississippi College.