PELLA — The Central College men’s and women’s tennis team had five student-athletes earn a spot on the College Sports Communicator Division III Academic All-District men’s and women’s tennis teams announced Tuesday afternoon.
On the women’s team, Jenna Hernandez (senior, Slater, Ballard HS), Becca Vala (junior, Omaha, Neb., Elkhorn HS) and Madi Whalen (sophomore, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill HS) were recognized. For the men’s squad, AJ Wilkins (junior, Grinnell) and Alejo Marcon (sophomore, Resistencia, Argentina, Pella Christian HS) were cited.
To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must have played in 70% of matches with a team score and achieve a 3.50 or better cumulative grade point average. This is the second year for tennis as its own Academic All-District category after previously being part of the at-large category.
Hernandez is a biochemistry, biology double major with a 3.75 GPA. Playing at No. 3 in the fall and No. 1 in the spring, Hernandez finished 4-15 in singles. She was 4-4 in doubles matches.
Vala is a kinesiology major with a 3.77 GPA. She led the Dutch women with 12 singles during her 12-7 season, playing mostly at No. 5 and No. 6. Playing with four different partners all across the lineup, Vala was also 9-10 in doubles.
Whalen is an environmental & sustainability and biology double major with a 3.59 GPA. She was 3-15 in singles on the season, primarily playing at No. 2. She was 8-12 with three different doubles partners.
Wilkins is a biology major with a 3.94 GPA. He finished 10-13 in singles primarily in the No. 2 slot and 14-8 in doubles while mostly playing No. 1. He was selected for the American Rivers All-Conference teams in doubles.
Marcon is a business management major with a 3.63 GPA. He finished 7-8 as a No. 3 singles player for the Dutch. In doubles, he finished 11-6 playing at either No. 1 or No. 3.
