Arizona Junior Jay Friend Makes History with Academic All-America Honors
TUCSON, Ariz. — In a remarkable achievement, Arizona junior Jay Friend has been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America® First Team, making history as the first men’s tennis player from Arizona to receive this prestigious accolade. The announcement was made on Wednesday.
Friend is among only 18 Division I student-athletes to earn the 2024-25 CSC Academic All-American title, one of seven on the First Team and the only representative from the Big 12 Conference. An Economics major with a 3.80 GPA, Friend has consistently excelled academically since joining Arizona. His achievements include being a 2024 CSC Academic All-District selection and an ITA Scholar-Athlete in 2023.
This season, Friend’s accomplishments extend to being named the 2025 Big 12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year and earning All-Big 12 First Team honors in both singles and doubles. Currently ranked No. 9 in ITA singles, he also finished the year with an impressive 36-6 singles record.
Head coach Clancy Shields praised Friend for his exemplary work ethic and commitment, stating, "This is a tremendous honor for Jay and our program." Friend’s contributions have also helped lead Arizona to its first Big 12 Championship and a third straight NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.
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