FLUSHING, N.Y. (Oct. 26, 2023) – Following a thrilling finish to the 2023 CUNYAC/HSS Women’s Tennis Championship, the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) is excited to announce the league’s all-star awards and teams for the 2023 campaign.
Baruch swept all three major awards. Ava Deguzman was voted Player of the Year, while Aishika Yadav was selected Rookie of the Year and Gregory Wyzykowski was tabbed Coach of the Year.
The Bearcats produced four all-conference performers, followed by Hunter (3), John Jay (2), Lehman (2) and Brooklyn (1).
Player of the Year: Ava Deguzman, Baruch
Deguzman continues to add to her trophy case, earning CUNYAC Player of the Year recognition for a third consecutive campaign. The junior is a perfect 12-0 at No. 1 singles and an impressive 12-1 at No. 1 doubles this season. She became Baruch’s all-time leader in singles victories and her tandem with Esther Benjamin ranks No. 1 in the Bearcats record book.
Most importantly, she led Baruch to an undefeated conference record and a second league championship in three seasons, earning tournament MVP honors.
Rookie of the Year: Aishika Yadav, Baruch
Yadav produced a strong rookie campaign, boasting perfect 11-0 records at No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles. A six-time CUNYAC Rookie of the Week honoree, she turned in victories at No. 2 doubles and singles at the league championship match to help Baruch secure an eighth title in program history.
“I’m truly honored to receive the CUNYAC Women’s Tennis Rookie of the Year award,” said Yadav. “My first year playing CUNY tennis has been an incredible journey, filled with remarkable teammates, coaches, and memorable matches. This season has not only improved me as an athlete but also as a person.”
Coach of the Year: Gregory Wyzykowski, Baruch
In his seventh season at Baruch, Wyzykowski earned Coach of the Year honors for the second time in his career on the women’s side. He led Baruch to a perfect 5-0 record against league opposition and an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Championship.
“I am honored to be chosen CUNY women tennis Coach of the Year. The hard work and strong results the women have achieved this season have made this possible. Thank you to my assistant coach Annie and all members of the athletic department for all their support this season.”
Below is the full listing of the 2023 CUNYAC Women’s Tennis All-Star Awards and Teams:
2023 CUNYAC Women’s Tennis All-Star Awards
*Player of the Year: Ava Deguzman, Baruch
*Rookie of the Year: Aishika Yadav, Baruch
Coach of the Year: Gregory Wyzykowski, Baruch
Sportsmanship Award: Emperatriz Cesar, York
Sportsmanship Team: Erica Sheludenko, Baruch; Veronika Tsiko, Brooklyn; Julia Aksamentova, Hunter; Shelby Gonzalez, Lehman; Cindy Lliguicota, John Jay
2023 CUNYAC Women’s Tennis First Team All-Stars
*Ava Deguzman, Baruch
*Aishika Yadav, Baruch
Antigone Alexander, John Jay
Erica Sheludenko, Baruch
Viola Avdyli, Lehman
Angelina Catania, Hunter
Sarina Moi, John Jay
2023 CUNYAC Women’s Tennis Second Team All-Stars
Esther Benjamin, Baruch
Anna Chapko, Hunter
Caroline Lopez, Lehman
Mia Chan, Hunter
Dakota Himaya, John Jay
Sophia Kebadze, Brooklyn
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