Columbia Tennis Star Toby Samuel Named ITA Carolina Region Senior Player of the Year
Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina men’s tennis senior Toby Samuel continues to make waves in the collegiate tennis world after being named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Carolina Region Senior Player of the Year. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking another accolade for the standout player.
Impressive Season Performance
Samuel, who took the fall semester off this season, made a remarkable return in the spring. He led the team with a stellar 21-6 singles record, showcasing his skills with 14 impressive victories over ranked opponents. Notably, he secured a significant win over then-No. 22 Chris Rodesch of Virginia, propelling him to the No. 6 ranking nationally by the end of the season.
Conference Dominance and Historic Achievements
Throughout the season, Samuel demonstrated his dominance in SEC play by going a perfect 10-0 against conference opponents from the top singles position, a remarkable feat that solidified his place in program history. He went on a remarkable 15-match win streak and achieved the distinction of becoming the first player from South Carolina to achieve such a perfect record in SEC play.
Doubles Success and National Recognition
In addition to his singles success, Samuel also excelled in doubles competition, notching 16 wins with impressive victories over top-ranked opponents. His stellar performance in doubles play saw him reach a national ranking of No. 9, a testament to his versatility and skill on the court.
Historic Honors
Samuel’s achievements this season have not gone unnoticed, as he becomes the fifth player in program history to earn the regional senior player of the year honor. His exceptional performance under the guidance of head coach Josh Goffi has solidified his place among the elite in collegiate tennis.