Jordan Benjamin Wins Second Straight A-10 Tennis Player Of The Year Award

May 15, 2019May 15, 2019 Sean Newhouse

Jordan Benjamin graduated from the University of Dayton on Sunday, but a diploma isn’t the only recognition he will be leaving with. Benjamin was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year for the second straight season.

“It means a lot to me to be recognized as the top player in the conference for the second straight season,” Benjamin told Dayton Athletics. “I set this goal before the season and knew it wouldn’t come easy without hard work and sacrifice. I’m extremely happy that I could close this chapter of my life with another notch in my belt.”

Benjamin had a record-setting season in 2017-18. On top of an undefeated singles record, he also became the first ever Dayton player to qualify for the NCAA tournament.

Benjamin lived up to the high expectations this year, notching a 15-5 record at the No. 1 spot in singles, almost always taking on the other team’s best player. This season also marks Benjamin’s fourth straight year receiving First Team All-Conference honors.

Benjamin plans to pursue a career in professional tennis after graduation.

Benjamin wasn’t the only Flyer recognized in the A-10 year-end rewards. Senior Langford Hills and junior Spencer Richey were named to the First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Conference respectively.

Hills and Richey both transferred from the University of Alabama and immediately became vital parts of Dayton’s rotation. Hills boasted a 14-3 singles record from the No. 2 spot in singles. Richey manned the No. 3 spot in singles, finishing with a 10-5 record. He was also Benjamin’s regular partner for their impressive 10-3 season in doubles.

Despite losing to top-ranked VCU in the second round of the A-10 tournament, Dayton was well represented in the end of the season awards. While Richey and the rest of the returning Flyers will turn their focus to improving the team for next year, Dayton fans will have to say goodbye to a legend. There is almost no doubt that Benjamin leaves as one of the greatest players in Dayton tennis history.

Photo courtesy of Dayton Athletics