In a prestigious announcement, Old Dominion University’s senior tennis player Sofia Johnson has been crowned the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Year. This recognition highlights the annual SBC Women’s Tennis Awards and All-Conference Teams unveiled on Wednesday. The accolades were determined by votes from the league’s 14 women’s tennis head coaches. The 2025 Sun Belt Women’s Tennis Championship is set to commence this Thursday through Sunday at the Rome Tennis Center in Georgia. Other notable honorees include Kira Matushkina as the Player to Watch, Ireland Simme as the Newcomer of the Year, Loles Carbo Chova as the Freshman of the Year, and Dominic Manilla as Coach of the Year.

Key Achievements and Highlights

Ranked 19th nationally, Sofia Johnson boasts an impressive record of 25-6 overall and 14-2 in dual matches. Her undefeated 8-0 performance in league play solidifies her dominance. Johnson repeated her success from last year, maintaining her title as Player of the Year. Additionally, Kira Matushkina of Old Dominion enters the championship with a strong season record of 20-7 in singles and 13-5 in doubles. She excelled in Sun Belt singles action with a 6-1 record, particularly at No. 2 singles.

Texas State’s Ireland Simme was pivotal in her team’s historic achievements this season, including the most wins in a single season in program history (16), most SBC wins in a season (7), and the highest seed in the SBC Championship Tournament (3). In singles play, Simme maintained a perfect record of 14-0 on courts 5 and 6, contributing significantly to her team's success. Meanwhile, Arkansas State’s Loles Carbo Chova earned the Freshman of the Year award for winning 23 matches, setting a new single-season record for her program. She remained undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play, clinching all her matches in straight sets.

Under the leadership of Coach Dominic Manilla, Old Dominion achieved a remarkable regular-season record of 16-4 and went undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play with an 11-0 record. The Monarchs are currently ranked No. 43 nationally, while Johnson ranks No. 19 in singles. Since joining the Sun Belt, ODU has dominated with a combined 40-0 record in both regular season and postseason league play, securing three consecutive regular-season titles and two tournament crowns.

Several players were recognized in the Singles and Doubles All-Conference Teams, reflecting their outstanding contributions to their respective teams throughout the season.

From a journalistic perspective, this year's awards underscore the incredible talent and dedication within the Sun Belt Conference. Players like Sofia Johnson and Kira Matushkina exemplify perseverance and excellence, inspiring future generations. Their accomplishments not only elevate their university's reputation but also contribute to the broader narrative of collegiate sports. The Sun Belt Championship promises thrilling matches, where these athletes will continue to showcase their skills and passion for the game.