Texas A&M’s Lucciana Perez and Mark Weaver Named to ITA All-America Teams
Texas A&M University’s Lucciana Perez and Mark Weaver have been recognized as ITA All-America honorees for the 2023–2024 collegiate tennis season, according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announcement on May 3, 2024. The designation, awarded to players who demonstrate exceptional performance and sportsmanship, marks the first All-America honors for both athletes.
How Did Perez and Weaver Earn the Honors?
Perez, a senior singles player, compiled a 28–7 record in dual matches and reached the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals as a top-10 national seed. Weaver, a junior doubles specialist, partnered with teammate Ethan Zhou to secure a No. 3 national ranking in doubles, according to the ITA’s official rankings. Both were selected based on their combined performance in conference play, regional tournaments, and national competitions.
What Does the ITA All-America Recognition Mean?
The ITA All-America honors are among the most prestigious in college tennis, celebrating athletes who excel academically and athletically. Since 1977, the ITA has awarded the distinction to players who rank in the top 20 nationally in their respective categories. This year’s recipients include 126 players across singles, doubles, and team categories, with Texas A&M representing one of 22 programs to have multiple honorees.
Why This Recognition Matters for Texas A&M Tennis
This is the first time Texas A&M has had two ITA All-America selections since 2019, highlighting the program’s resurgence under head coach David Hearn. The Aggies finished the 2023–2024 season with a 21–10 overall record, their best since 2016, according to the NCAA’s official sports statistics. Perez and Weaver’s achievements also underscore the university’s growing emphasis on tennis development, with both athletes receiving academic-athletic awards prior to their ITA honors.
What’s Next for Perez and Weaver?
Perez, a biology major, is expected to pursue a professional tennis career, while Weaver plans to compete in the 2024 USTA Pro Circuit. Both will be featured in the ITA’s annual All-America publication, which highlights top performers and their contributions to collegiate tennis. The recognition also increases their visibility for future opportunities, including potential NCAA postseason accolades and professional endorsements.
How Does This Compare to Previous Years?
In 2023, Texas A&M had no ITA All-America honorees, but the program has steadily improved since Hearn’s appointment in 2021. The 2024 selections align with a broader trend of mid-major programs gaining national recognition, as seen with LSU’s three All-America recipients in 2023. The ITA’s 2024 list includes 14 first-time honorees, reflecting the competitive landscape of collegiate tennis.
According to the ITA’s 2024 All-America announcement, https://www.itatennis.com.
Keep reading