Mississippi State men's tennis players Petar Jovanovic and Benito Sanchez Martinez have received Academic All-America honors from the College Sports Communicators. Jovanovic, a standout with a 3.94 GPA in Finance, becomes the first in program history to achieve multiple First Team accolades. This recognition marks just the third occurrence of multiple players from Mississippi State receiving this honor in the same year, the first since 2012. Overall, Mississippi State has 18 Academic All-American honors, the most among Division I institutions and third overall in NCAA and NAIA divisions.

By the Numbers
  • Petar Jovanovic maintained a 3.94 GPA and surpassed 200 career wins, becoming the all-time leader for Mississippi State.
  • Benito Sanchez Martinez achieved a 3.60 GPA, earned the title of SEC Player of the Year, and registered a 12-3 record in SEC play.
Yes, But

While both athletes excelled academically and athletically, the university's achievements in this realm have not been as recognized since 2012, highlighting the need for consistent performance at both levels to maintain prominence.

State of Play
  • This year represents a significant revival for Mississippi State's men's tennis program, with two players achieving academic excellence simultaneously.
  • Jovanovic's record-setting wins and Sanchez Martinez's individual accolades signify rising competitiveness in collegiate tennis.
What's Next

Future implications for the Mississippi State program may include heightened recruitment efforts, aiming to attract student-athletes who excel both in sports and academics, potentially enhancing the institution's reputation further.

Bottom Line

Petar Jovanovic and Benito Sanchez Martinez’s achievements underscore Mississippi State’s commitment to fostering excellence in both athletics and academics, reinforcing the program's legacy while setting a foundation for continued success.