University of Tennessee Athletics
Ojeda Named SEC Co-Coach of the Year, Three Earn All-SEC First Team Honors
April 27, 2023 | Women's Tennis
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee women's tennis head coach Alison Ojeda was named SEC Co-Head Coach of the Year while Daria Kuczer, Rebeka Mertena and Elza Tomase were named First Team All-SEC in the end-of-season awards, the conference office announced Thursday morning.
An alumnae of the program, Ojeda led the Lady Volunteers to heights never seen before in 2023. Tennessee finished 11-2 in Southeastern Conference play, the highest SEC win total in program history, and tallied double-digit conference victories for just the second time ever. The Lady Vols went unbeaten at home, turning in an 11-0 record on Rocky Top. That milestone marks just the fifth time in program history Tennessee has finished the regular season undefeated at home, with two of those coming in the Alison Ojeda Era.
"I know I speak for our entire department when I emphasize how thrilled we are to see Alison earn this recognition," Tennessee Vice Chancellor Danny White said. "Alison's love for the University of Tennessee is undeniable. She's done a tremendous job leading her program and building a culture of excellence. This year's team has displayed an impressive level of grit and togetherness. The entire lineup—top to bottom, singles and doubles—comes into each match focused, well prepared and expecting to win."
Ojeda becomes the third SEC Coach of the Year in program history, following in the footsteps of her head coaches, Mike Patrick and Sonia Hahn-Patrick, who garnered the honors in both 2001 and 2009.
"I am so happy for Alison to be recognized as SEC Co-Coach of the Year," associate head coach Jarryd Chaplin said. "Her passion and enthusiasm for this place is unmatched and her desire to see the University, the athletic department, the team and each individual grow is incredibly admirable. It has been a joy to see her knowledge and passion for our team bleed into the play on-court this season. She has always provided a stable presence for our players, and this is a well-deserved accolade."
The Lady Vols also made history in the All-SEC teams as the First Team honors for Kuczer, Mertena and Tomase marked the first time in program history Tennessee has had three individuals garner first-team acclaim.
"For us to have three players make First Team All-SEC shows just how much respect each girl has earned from their peers," Ojeda said on the awards. "They are among some great competitors and fierce tennis players, which is right where they belong."
Mertena has been a staple on the All-SEC teams, making it on the charts in each of the last three seasons. She becomes the ninth player in program history to be recognized three times on the All-SEC Teams, having earned second team honors in 2021 and first team acclaim in 2022. Currently, she ranks tied for seventh in program history for career singles victories with 103. In her final season on Rocky Top, the fifth-year senior went 13-4 during dual competition while boasting a perfect 5-0 SEC record at No. 2. She has stayed inside the top-35 for the majority of the spring in the ITA Singles Rankings and has more than 20 total singles wins for the fourth time in her illustrious career.
Kuczer has been incredible all season long. The fifth-year senior made the All-SEC ranks for the second time in her career after garnering second-team honors in 2021. She went 9-2 in SEC play and 15-2 overall during the dual season in 2023. For her career on Rocky Top, the Szczecin, Poland native posted a 25-7 record in conference matches. She achieved her first-ever ITA Singles Ranking at the end of the fall and has steadily climbed the charts throughout the year, peaking at No. 34. For the combined seasons (fall and spring), Kuczer has gone 23-6 (.793), which marks her career-best winning percentage, surpassing the impressive 76.5 winning percentage she set in 2021.
"To Daria and Rebeka," Ojeda said. "Our team has greatly benefited from your contributions both on and off the court. Thank you for all you both have done and a massive congratulations to you both for rounding out the season like this."
Tomase also earns her second career All-SEC nod after making Second Team a season ago. The sophomore is already off to a blistering start in her Tennessee career, playing as UT's primary No. 1 singles player at the end of the season. She has surpassed 50 career singles victories already, and stands as Tennessee's top-ranked singles player, currently situated at No. 22 in the ITA Singles Rankings. She led the team in ranked victories during dual action, accumulating seven throughout the spring, and has a top-10 victory in straight-sets over South Carolina's Ayana Akli, 6-4, 6-3.
"Elza, your top-25 ranking as a sophomore is incredibly impressive," Ojeda said. "Congratulations to you as well and I am looking forward to coaching you over the next couple of years and supporting you as you continue to thrive."
"One more thing to say," Ojeda finished. "Our whole team is responsible for pushing one another each and every day. I just want to thank every single person on this group for helping to make your teammates better."
The full 2023 All-SEC Teams, as well as year end awards can be found below.
Alison Ojeda, Tennessee
Mark Weaver, Texas A&M
First Team All-SECÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Carolyn Ansari, Auburn
Sara Dahlstrom, Florida
Lea Ma, Georgia
Dasha Vidmanova, Georgia
Anastasiya Komar, LSU
Ayana Akli, South Carolina
Sarah Hamner, South Carolina
Daria Kuczer, Tennessee        Â
Rebeka Mertena, Tennessee Â
Elza Tomase, Tennessee
Carson Branstine, Texas A&M
Mary Stoiana, Texas A&M
Celia Belle Mohr, Vanderbilt
Â
Second Team All-SEC
Loudmilla Bencheikh, Alabama             Â
Carolina Gomez Alonso, Arkansas        Â
Ariana Arseneault, Auburn    Â
Carly Briggs, Florida
Alicia Dudeney, Florida
Meg Kowalski, Georgia         Â
Mell Reasco, Georgia            Â
Florencia Urrutia, Kentucky   Â
Kylie Collins, LSUÂ Â Â Â
Ludmila Kareisova, Ole Miss Â
Emmanouela Antonaki, Mississippi State             Â
Salma Ewing, Texas A&MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â
Mia Kupres, Texas A&MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Jayci Goldsmith, Texas A&MÂ Â
Â
All-Freshman
Carolina Gomez Alonso, Arkansas        Â
DJ Bennett, Auburn
Rachel Gailis, Florida            Â
Anastasiia Lopata, Georgia   Â
Mia Kupres, Texas A&MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Bridget Stammel, Vanderbilt Â
Â
Player of the Year
Mary Stoiana, Texas A&M
Â
Freshmen of the Year
Carolina Gomez Alonso, Arkansas
An alumnae of the program, Ojeda led the Lady Volunteers to heights never seen before in 2023. Tennessee finished 11-2 in Southeastern Conference play, the highest SEC win total in program history, and tallied double-digit conference victories for just the second time ever. The Lady Vols went unbeaten at home, turning in an 11-0 record on Rocky Top. That milestone marks just the fifth time in program history Tennessee has finished the regular season undefeated at home, with two of those coming in the Alison Ojeda Era.
"I know I speak for our entire department when I emphasize how thrilled we are to see Alison earn this recognition," Tennessee Vice Chancellor Danny White said. "Alison's love for the University of Tennessee is undeniable. She's done a tremendous job leading her program and building a culture of excellence. This year's team has displayed an impressive level of grit and togetherness. The entire lineup—top to bottom, singles and doubles—comes into each match focused, well prepared and expecting to win."
Ojeda becomes the third SEC Coach of the Year in program history, following in the footsteps of her head coaches, Mike Patrick and Sonia Hahn-Patrick, who garnered the honors in both 2001 and 2009.
"I am so happy for Alison to be recognized as SEC Co-Coach of the Year," associate head coach Jarryd Chaplin said. "Her passion and enthusiasm for this place is unmatched and her desire to see the University, the athletic department, the team and each individual grow is incredibly admirable. It has been a joy to see her knowledge and passion for our team bleed into the play on-court this season. She has always provided a stable presence for our players, and this is a well-deserved accolade."
The Lady Vols also made history in the All-SEC teams as the First Team honors for Kuczer, Mertena and Tomase marked the first time in program history Tennessee has had three individuals garner first-team acclaim.
"For us to have three players make First Team All-SEC shows just how much respect each girl has earned from their peers," Ojeda said on the awards. "They are among some great competitors and fierce tennis players, which is right where they belong."
Mertena has been a staple on the All-SEC teams, making it on the charts in each of the last three seasons. She becomes the ninth player in program history to be recognized three times on the All-SEC Teams, having earned second team honors in 2021 and first team acclaim in 2022. Currently, she ranks tied for seventh in program history for career singles victories with 103. In her final season on Rocky Top, the fifth-year senior went 13-4 during dual competition while boasting a perfect 5-0 SEC record at No. 2. She has stayed inside the top-35 for the majority of the spring in the ITA Singles Rankings and has more than 20 total singles wins for the fourth time in her illustrious career.
Kuczer has been incredible all season long. The fifth-year senior made the All-SEC ranks for the second time in her career after garnering second-team honors in 2021. She went 9-2 in SEC play and 15-2 overall during the dual season in 2023. For her career on Rocky Top, the Szczecin, Poland native posted a 25-7 record in conference matches. She achieved her first-ever ITA Singles Ranking at the end of the fall and has steadily climbed the charts throughout the year, peaking at No. 34. For the combined seasons (fall and spring), Kuczer has gone 23-6 (.793), which marks her career-best winning percentage, surpassing the impressive 76.5 winning percentage she set in 2021.
"To Daria and Rebeka," Ojeda said. "Our team has greatly benefited from your contributions both on and off the court. Thank you for all you both have done and a massive congratulations to you both for rounding out the season like this."
Tomase also earns her second career All-SEC nod after making Second Team a season ago. The sophomore is already off to a blistering start in her Tennessee career, playing as UT's primary No. 1 singles player at the end of the season. She has surpassed 50 career singles victories already, and stands as Tennessee's top-ranked singles player, currently situated at No. 22 in the ITA Singles Rankings. She led the team in ranked victories during dual action, accumulating seven throughout the spring, and has a top-10 victory in straight-sets over South Carolina's Ayana Akli, 6-4, 6-3.
"Elza, your top-25 ranking as a sophomore is incredibly impressive," Ojeda said. "Congratulations to you as well and I am looking forward to coaching you over the next couple of years and supporting you as you continue to thrive."
"One more thing to say," Ojeda finished. "Our whole team is responsible for pushing one another each and every day. I just want to thank every single person on this group for helping to make your teammates better."
The full 2023 All-SEC Teams, as well as year end awards can be found below.
2023 SEC Women's Tennis Awards
Co-Coaches of the YearAlison Ojeda, Tennessee
Mark Weaver, Texas A&M
First Team All-SECÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Carolyn Ansari, Auburn
Sara Dahlstrom, Florida
Lea Ma, Georgia
Dasha Vidmanova, Georgia
Anastasiya Komar, LSU
Ayana Akli, South Carolina
Sarah Hamner, South Carolina
Daria Kuczer, Tennessee        Â
Rebeka Mertena, Tennessee Â
Elza Tomase, Tennessee
Carson Branstine, Texas A&M
Mary Stoiana, Texas A&M
Celia Belle Mohr, Vanderbilt
Â
Second Team All-SEC
Loudmilla Bencheikh, Alabama             Â
Carolina Gomez Alonso, Arkansas        Â
Ariana Arseneault, Auburn    Â
Carly Briggs, Florida
Alicia Dudeney, Florida
Meg Kowalski, Georgia         Â
Mell Reasco, Georgia            Â
Florencia Urrutia, Kentucky   Â
Kylie Collins, LSUÂ Â Â Â
Ludmila Kareisova, Ole Miss Â
Emmanouela Antonaki, Mississippi State             Â
Salma Ewing, Texas A&MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â
Mia Kupres, Texas A&MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Jayci Goldsmith, Texas A&MÂ Â
Â
All-Freshman
Carolina Gomez Alonso, Arkansas        Â
DJ Bennett, Auburn
Rachel Gailis, Florida            Â
Anastasiia Lopata, Georgia   Â
Mia Kupres, Texas A&MÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Bridget Stammel, Vanderbilt Â
Â
Player of the Year
Mary Stoiana, Texas A&M
Â
Freshmen of the Year
Carolina Gomez Alonso, Arkansas
Players Mentioned
Everything Orange S2 I Catherine Aulia (Women's Tennis)
Thursday, March 20
WTN | Alison Ojeda and Sofia Cabezas Postgame vs. UCLA (5.18.24)
Saturday, May 18
WTN | Alison Ojeda and Lauren Anzalotta Media Availability (5.15.24)
Wednesday, May 15
Everything Orange | Alison Ojeda (Women's Tennis)
Thursday, January 18
