CLINTON, Miss. — Mississippi College's tennis program continues to rack in national honors with Alex Benichou Blanchard being named an All-American in the ITA Division II Men's Tennis Singles category.

Blanchard's remarkable journey this season has been marked by a series of historic achievements, underscoring his talent on the court. The freshman standout has not only carved his name in Mississippi College tennis history but has also etched his mark on the broader collegiate tennis landscape in 2024. 

Previously honored as the ITA National Rookie of the Year, Blanchard's talent extends beyond individual recognition. He also clinched the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year and GSC Player of the Year titles, a feat unparalleled since 2008. He is only the fifth player in the conference's history to achieve such a distinction, joining an exclusive list of past legends.

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."

Blanchard's on-court presence has been nothing short of stellar, boasting an impressive 16-4 singles record throughout the season, primarily competing at the demanding No. 1 position. He becomes the second All-American in men's singles program history, joining the likes of Joan Valy in 2018