In the highly competitive world of Southeastern Conference (SEC) tennis, where every serve, volley, and rally can define a season, three standout student-athletes have risen above the rest to earn prestigious postseason honors. Auburn’s Ariana Refaat, Florida’s Ness Preston Bennett, and South Carolina’s Angela Okutoyi were recognized by the SEC for their outstanding performance during the 2024-25 tennis season.
Each honoree not only displayed elite athletic prowess but also embodied leadership, sportsmanship, and resilience throughout a grueling SEC campaign. Their recognition cements their legacies in one of college athletics’ most demanding conferences.
Ariana Refaat: Auburn’s Rising Star Shines Bright
Auburn sophomore Ariana Refaat has been named to the All-SEC Second Team, a reward for her breakout season that saw her rise to the top of the Tigers’ lineup and become one of the fiercest competitors in the SEC. Refaat compiled a 16-4 singles record, including an 8-2 mark in conference play, often taking on top-ranked opponents and emerging victorious.
Emergence as a Leader
While only in her second year, Refaat carried herself like a seasoned veteran on the court. Her energy and determination became infectious within the Auburn camp, and Head Coach Caroline Lilley frequently pointed to her as the emotional core of the team.
“Ariana brings intensity and maturity beyond her years,” Lilley said. “She’s always ready for the fight, and that mindset has uplifted our entire roster.”
Refaat’s presence was particularly felt during Auburn’s pivotal late-season wins over Tennessee and Texas A&M. Against the Vols, she staged a dramatic comeback from a set down to clinch the match, igniting the Tigers’ push toward postseason contention.
Steady Rise in Rankings
By mid-April, Refaat had cracked the Top 50 in the ITA singles rankings for the first time in her career. Her agility, quick reaction time, and calculated shot selection made her one of the toughest outs in the conference. As she prepares for the NCAA Individual Championships, she remains a dark horse with the talent to go deep into the draw.
Angela Okutoyi: A Historic Campaign for South Carolina
South Carolina’s Angela Okutoyi made history this season and was rightly honored with a spot on the All-SEC First Team. A former Grand Slam junior doubles champion and a pioneer for African tennis, Okutoyi has transitioned seamlessly into the SEC, bringing world-class experience and flair to the Gamecocks.
Trailblazer and Game Changer
Hailing from Kenya, Okutoyi is not only rewriting the record books for South Carolina but also serving as a role model for young athletes across the globe. In 2022, she became the first Kenyan woman to win a Grand Slam title at the junior level (Wimbledon girls’ doubles). In the SEC, she’s translated that promise into consistent dominance, finishing the regular season with a 17-3 singles record and an undefeated 10-0 mark in conference play.
“This season, Angela played with poise and ferocity,” said South Carolina coach Kevin Epley. “She’s one of those players you build a program around. She thrives in high-stakes moments.”
Signature Performances
Okutoyi’s crowning performance came against Georgia’s top-ranked lineup, where she dispatched a top-15 opponent in straight sets. Her serve was untouchable, and her net game impeccable — drawing standing ovations even from rival fans.
In doubles, paired with fellow standout Ayana Akli, Okutoyi formed one of the most reliable tandems in the league. The duo registered a 12-2 record and were instrumental in securing the doubles point in multiple close matches.
Ness Preston Bennett: Florida’s Veteran Anchor
For the Florida Gators, senior Ness Preston Bennett capped off his collegiate career with All-SEC First Team honors, a fitting tribute to one of the steadiest and most accomplished players in program history. Known for his icy demeanor under pressure and strategic acumen, Bennett was a rock at the No. 1 singles spot.
Mr. Consistency
Bennett went 18-5 overall in singles play and 9-1 in SEC action, including victories over opponents from Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Georgia. He also led the Gators in match clinches, securing the final point in five different dual matches.
“He’s the ultimate competitor,” said Gators head coach Bryan Shelton. “There’s a calm to his game, but underneath it, he’s a killer. He’s saved match points, overcome injuries, and led by example every step of the way.”
More Than Just a Player
Off the court, Bennett was recognized for his academic excellence and community involvement, earning a spot on the SEC Community Service Team. He mentored junior teammates and was active in the Gainesville community, volunteering at local youth clinics and leading Florida’s “Read with a Gator” initiative in local elementary schools.
Bennett is expected to explore professional opportunities after graduation, and based on his current trajectory, he could become one of the most successful Florida alums in recent memory.
SEC Dominance and the Significance of the Honors
The Southeastern Conference remains the gold standard in collegiate tennis, and postseason honors such as these are both difficult to earn and meaningful in scope. They signify more than just statistics — they reflect dominance in the face of elite opposition, week in and week out.
Refaat, Okutoyi, and Bennett represent the full spectrum of SEC excellence: youth, international talent, and seasoned leadership. Their inclusion in the SEC postseason honors highlights not only individual achievement but also their programs’ upward momentum.
Program Implications
- Auburn: Refaat’s development provides a strong foundation for Coach Lilley’s team in coming seasons. With her returning next year, Auburn can build around her while drawing in high-level recruits inspired by her ascent.
- South Carolina: Okutoyi’s success could become a recruiting magnet for international players, particularly from Africa, looking to follow in her footsteps. Her leadership and performance also give the Gamecocks a realistic shot at a deep postseason run.
- Florida: While Bennett’s graduation leaves a leadership vacuum, his legacy will serve as the benchmark for younger Gators. His commitment to all facets of student-athlete life — academics, athletics, and service — will likely influence team culture for years to come.
Looking Ahead
With the NCAA tournament fast approaching, all three honorees will be crucial to their teams’ success. Refaat and Okutoyi are expected to feature heavily in the singles and doubles brackets, with Bennett leading the Gators’ team bid for another deep postseason push.
The SEC’s postseason honors have spotlighted these athletes at a key moment — not just the culmination of their regular season, but the launching pad for national glory. All three have the potential to leave a lasting impact on college tennis, both now and in the professional ranks.