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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Nikola Slavic Named ITA Southern Region Rookie of the Year
5/18/2020 | Men's Tennis
The Rebels were also awarded with honorable mention for the ITA Community Service Award
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Despite the shortened spring season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) has recognized its regional award winners, including Ole Miss Men's Tennis freshman Nikola Slavic for the Southern Region's Rookie of the Year.
Slavic is now in consideration for the national award, announced Monday May 25 in a special virtual awards ceremony that can be found on the ITA's Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube platforms.
Slavic joins elite company, becoming just the third Rebel to win the award and the first since 2012. The other two winners are four-time All-American Nik Sholtz and current Rebs assistant coach and former NCAA National Champion Devin Britton (2009).
"Niko had an outstanding rookie season and there were some pressure moments this spring where he played with the poise of a veteran," head coach Toby Hansson said. "He is just starting to tap into his potential as a player and with continued focus and determination, I am certain that we will hear much from Niko in the coming years."
The Stockholm, Sweden, native delivered a thrilling three-set comeback to guide Ole Miss to the prestigious Blue Gray National Tennis Classic title this past February and earning the Tournament MVP crown, was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week following his efforts. He captured four wins, registered his first career clinch and delivered a six-match win streak entering into SEC play.
Slavic finished the spring at 10-2, playing primarily at the No. 4 position, and finished with a 16-7 record overall. He and classmate Lukas Engelhardt teamed up to claim the CCB Collegiate Invitational in Birmingham, Ala.
Slavic helped catapult the Rebels into the ITA Top 15 at No. 11, their highest ranking since 2015.
Ole Miss also claimed a team award, earning Honorable Mention for the Southern Region Community Service award. The Rebels are avid volunteers around the Oxford/Lafayette communities, participating in events such as the Thanksgiving Adopt A Basket, Reading with the Rebels, a Night to Shine (a special needs prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation), and A Hope to Dream (an event that gives in-need children in the area a complete brand new bedroom set).
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For more information on Ole Miss Men's Tennis, follow the Rebels on Twitter @OleMissMTennis, on Facebook at OleMissMTennis and on Instagram at OleMissMTennis, follow Coach Hansson on Twitter at @TennisToby.
Slavic is now in consideration for the national award, announced Monday May 25 in a special virtual awards ceremony that can be found on the ITA's Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube platforms.
Slavic joins elite company, becoming just the third Rebel to win the award and the first since 2012. The other two winners are four-time All-American Nik Sholtz and current Rebs assistant coach and former NCAA National Champion Devin Britton (2009).
"Niko had an outstanding rookie season and there were some pressure moments this spring where he played with the poise of a veteran," head coach Toby Hansson said. "He is just starting to tap into his potential as a player and with continued focus and determination, I am certain that we will hear much from Niko in the coming years."
The Stockholm, Sweden, native delivered a thrilling three-set comeback to guide Ole Miss to the prestigious Blue Gray National Tennis Classic title this past February and earning the Tournament MVP crown, was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week following his efforts. He captured four wins, registered his first career clinch and delivered a six-match win streak entering into SEC play.
Slavic finished the spring at 10-2, playing primarily at the No. 4 position, and finished with a 16-7 record overall. He and classmate Lukas Engelhardt teamed up to claim the CCB Collegiate Invitational in Birmingham, Ala.
Slavic helped catapult the Rebels into the ITA Top 15 at No. 11, their highest ranking since 2015.
Ole Miss also claimed a team award, earning Honorable Mention for the Southern Region Community Service award. The Rebels are avid volunteers around the Oxford/Lafayette communities, participating in events such as the Thanksgiving Adopt A Basket, Reading with the Rebels, a Night to Shine (a special needs prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation), and A Hope to Dream (an event that gives in-need children in the area a complete brand new bedroom set).
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For more information on Ole Miss Men's Tennis, follow the Rebels on Twitter @OleMissMTennis, on Facebook at OleMissMTennis and on Instagram at OleMissMTennis, follow Coach Hansson on Twitter at @TennisToby.
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