TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Men’s Tennis Colton Smith has been named the 2025 ITA Division I Men’s National Senior Player of the Year and the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award recipient, as announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) on Friday (today).
Smith caps a dominant collegiate career with two of the most prestigious honors in college tennis. A standout both on and off the court, the senior from the University of Arizona helped redefine the trajectory of the Wildcat program during his four-year tenure.
“This is an incredible honor for Colton and our program,” said head coach Clancy Shields. “I grew up admiring Arthur Ashe and his autobiography was one of my first reads as a kid. Ashe’s grace under pressure, how he played the game with integrity, how he mentored others, and his character on and off the court are values that Colton represents. This is one of the highest awards you can win in our sport, and I’m so proud that Colton has received this recognition.”
Smith finished the 2025 season with a 23-2 overall record, including an undefeated 16-0 mark in dual matches. He posted a 13-1 record against nationally ranked opponents, playing a key role in Arizona’s 26-4 campaign and its fourth straight Big 12 Championship. His consistency and dominance earned him Big 12 Player of the Year honors.
Internationally, Smith turned heads by winning a main draw match at Indian Wells and reaching the quarterfinals of an ATP clay court event in Houston, affirming his place among the top college and emerging pro players worldwide.
At the CATSY’s, Smith was honored with both the Sapphire Award, given to the university’s top male athlete, and the Athletic Director’s Leadership Award.
That legacy was further cemented with the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award, given annually to the student-athlete who best embodies the values of legendary tennis icon Arthur Ashe.
As the team leader for a community initiative with Team IMPACT, Smith helped welcome eight-year-old Jaxin, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as an honorary Wildcat. The partnership exemplified Smith’s dedication to service and his powerful influence within the Tucson community.
“For the past four years, Colton has been a beacon of light for our program,” Shields added. “His results on…
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