April 14, 2023 Article from GOBLUERAIDERS.COM

 

Three Blue Raiders Tabbed to Conference USA All-Academic Team

Photo of tennis players

MURFREESBORO – Conference USA announced its men's tennis All-Academic Team on Friday, which included Pavel MotlFrancisco Rocha and Stijn Slump of Middle Tennessee on the six-person list.

"These three guys are just great guys all around," said MTSU Head Coach Jimmy Borendame. "They are top notch students first and that's what we are all about here at Middle Tennessee. I am proud and excited for these three guys and it's senior day, so this is extra icing on a great day."

Motl earned a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in Sport Management and Industry. Pavel has been named to the All-Academic Team for the second time in his career. In his five years as a Blue Raider, the graduate student from the Czech Republic is a two-time C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member, two-time C-USA Academic Medal recipient and a three-time ITA Scholar Athlete.

On the court this season, Motl has a singles record of 13-5 and a doubles record of 15-4. His 15 doubles wins leads the team and the 13 singles wins has him tied for second-most.

Rocha accumulated a 3.91 GPA while pushing for a degree in Economics and Business Administration. This is Rocha's third straight season on the All-Academic Team. In his five years as a Blue Raider, Francisco has been named the two-time MTSU President's Award Winner, four-time ITA Scholar-Athlete, three-time C-USA Academic Medal recipient and four-time C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member.

In athletic achievements, Rocha sports a 10-6 singles record with two ranked wins. In doubles play, Francisco is 12-5 with four ranked wins and earning a No. 48 Intercollegiate Tennis Association doubles ranking. Rocha was named the 2021 C-USA Player of the Year.

Slump earned a 3.79 GPA while pursuing a degree in Computer Science. This would be Slump's first time named to the C-USA All-Academic Team. In his five years as a Blue Raider, Stijn is a one-time C-USA Academic Medal recipient, four-time C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member and a four-time ITA Scholar-Athlete.

On the court this season, Stijn posted a 13-8 mark in singles earning six ranked wins. His 13 wins tie him for second most on the team. In doubles, Slump has a record of 14-4. The graduate student from the Netherlands has been the highest ranked singles player in C-USA and is currently slotted at No. 76. Slump was tabbed 2022 C-USA Player of the Year.

Nominees must have a 3.2 cumulative grade point average and have participated in 75 percent of the teams' scheduled matches. Candidates should be a sophomore class standing, but redshirt freshmen are eligible if they have completed enough credits. The All-Academic Team was voted on by Academic Advisors across the eight C-USA member schools who sponsor men's tennis.

2023 Men's Tennis All-Academic Team

Kevin Huempfner, Florida Atlantic
Filip Krolo, Florida Atlantic
Pavel MotlMiddle Tennessee
Francisco RochaMiddle Tennessee
Stijn SlumpMiddle Tennessee
Danijal Muminovic, UTSA