Gamecock Trio Takes All-SEC Honors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina men’s tennis saw a trio of All-SEC recognitions for the first time since 2013 with the announcement of the league’s postseason awards this morning. Sophomore Daniel Rodrigues picked up first-team honors for the second time in as many years awards have been given, and returning freshman Connor Thomson joined him there for the first All-SEC honors of his career. First-year freshman Toby Samuel earned a spot on the second team and the SEC All-Freshman Team.
 
“I’m excited to see these guys get recognized by the SEC,” South Carolina head coach Josh Goffi said. “They’ve earned it with the years they’ve had. Danny, Connor and Toby have led the way this season, but the entire team has been exceptional and deserves recognition. The focus and dedication toward achieving our goals has been like no other team that I’ve coached.”
 
Rodrigues is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation and in March became the first Gamecock in program history to earn a No. 1 singles ranking. With a team-best 24-6 singles record, he is 10-3 against ranked opponents with those 10 wins ranking fifth in program history for single-season ranked victories. He is 4-1 this season against top-10 singles opponents. Rodrigues has played in the No. 1 singles and doubles spot all season, teaming with Thomson to rank 11th in the nation in doubles this week. The duo is 20-11 overall and 9-5 against ranked opponents, including five wins over top-20 tandems.
 
After cracking the singles top 100 in late March, Thomson has been on a steady march up the rankings to his current No. 22 position. Playing in the Nos. 2 and 3 positions throughout the spring, he is 18-12 on the season, including an 8-3 mark in SEC action. Two of his five wins over nationally ranked opponents came against top-20 foes, and Thomson has provided the Gamecocks’ match-clinching point a team-high tying five times in 15 team victories. In doubles, Thomson plays at the top of the lineup with Rodrigues, ranking 11th in the nation with a 20-11 overall record that includes five top-20 victories.
 
Ranked No. 68 in singles, Samuel matched Rodrigues for most singles wins this season, logging 24 in his debut season, playing in the Nos. 3 and 4 positions. His nine SEC wins, which also tied Rodrigues for team-best honors, are the second-most by a freshman in South Carolina men’s tennis history. Beginning with his third career dual match, Samuel launched a 14-match win streak, the third longest by a freshman in program history. Playing in his SEC Tournament, he delivered both match-clinching points for the Gamecocks as they advanced to the semifinals for the second time in as many tournaments. In doubles, Samuel teams with Jake Beasley for a team-best 23-11 mark, including going 15-7 in dual matches, including a win over a top-five opponent, and 7-5 in SEC play.
 
The No. 12 Gamecocks are awaiting their NCAA Tournament selection, which will be announced on Mon., May 3, at 6:30 p.m.
 
For all the latest South Carolina men’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockMTennis).
 
2021 SEC Awards
Player of the Year: Valentin Vacherot, Texas A&M
Freshman of the Year: Johannus Monday, Tennessee
Newcomer of the Year: Liam Draxl, Kentucky
Coach of the Year: Bryan Shelton, Florida