ORLANDO - A member of a historic freshman class for head coach Bryan Koniecko, Moroccan native Aya El Aouni was named Southeast Regional Rookie of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
Announced Tuesday afternoon, the Knight secured one of the top awards given to athletes who represent both Georgia and Florida at the highest level. While the national champions, Georgia, led the way with multiple honors, El Aouni's storied first year in Orlando turned heads across the country.
Authoring a 12-5 singles record in dual matches, primarily on courts one and two, she continued to compete with more tenured athletes across UCF's historic campaign.
El Aouni garnered All-Big 12 Freshman Team honors, along with securing a spot on the All-Big 12 Doubles Second Team with senior Sophia Biolay. She was also the first Knight in program history to tally a Big 12 Player of the Week award.
Ranked as the fifth-best newcomer entering the season by the ITA, the freshman lived up to the hype and more. Defeating multiple top-75 opponents, El Aouni rose to the challenge with multiple clinches, including a court-on triumph over No. 25 Oklahoma State in Stillwater.