News release from Texas A&M Athletics:
TEMPE, Ariz. – Texas A&M’s Nicole Khirin was named as the Texas Region ITA Player to Watch, while Lucciana Perez was awarded the region’s ITA Rookie of the Year honor, the organization announced Wednesday.
Khirin was named Texas Region ITA Player to Watch for the upcoming 2024-25 season, following an impressive debut campaign for the Maroon & White. The sophomore concluded her season with a 28-7 singles record and was 20-11 in doubles play. Khirin also garnered a plethora of honors throughout this season, including being named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team for singles and doubles and earning All-SEC First Team honors. The Rishon LeZion, Israel, native reached a high of No. 14 in the ITA singles ranks during her debut season in Aggieland and looks to climb the ranks further in her second year at A&M.
Claiming the Aggie’s second regional honor was freshman standout Perez. Taking the collegiate scene by storm, she accumulated a record of 37-18, going 22-7 in singles and 15-11 in doubles. She received NCAA All-Tournament Team distinction for both singles and doubles, was named SEC Freshman of the Year and added to the All-SEC Second Team and All-Freshman Team for her performance throughout the year. The rookie started the season No. 3 in the ITA Newcomer ranks and was listed at No. 74 in doubles at the end of the year with partner Carson Branstine.