Akli Becomes Programs First SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Athens, Ga. – ­The Southeastern Conference has announced South Carolina graduate Ayana Akli as its 2024 SEC Women’s Tennis Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Akli, a native of Silver Spring, Maryland, completed her undergraduate degree in civil engineering with a 3.54 GPA and is currently pursuing a masters in the same field with a 3.75 GPA. She is a two-time member of the SEC Honor Roll and was named an ITA Scholar-Athlete in 2022 as well as appearing on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

She has a singles record of 24-10 this season with an 11-6 mark in dual play, all from the top of the lineup. She has a 6-4 record in SEC singles matches and held a win streak of six matches during the season. Against ranked opponents, she is 12-10 with her highest ranked wins over Nos. 12 and 14, both in straight sets. She has been ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation in singles this season.

In doubles, Akli has posted 17 wins this season with 11 in dual play and six over SEC opponents. She has six ranked doubles wins with her highest over the then-No. 8-ranked pair. Akli has been ranked as high as No. 10 in the nation with partner Sarah Hamner.

In the fall, Akli was a singles semifinalist at the ITA All-American Championships and finished as the singles runner-up of the ITA National Fall Championships.

Akli is the first Gamecock from the women’s tennis program to ever receive the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award since the debut of the recognition in 2004.

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