Thomas-Smith, Robinson Named to CUSA All-Academic Team
4/12/2024 1:18:00 PM | Men's Tennis
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty men's tennis' Deji-Thomas-Smith and Chase Robinson were recognized for their academic achievements with selections to the 2024 Conference USA Men's Tennis All-Academic team, the conference announced Friday.
The awards are the first academic honors for Liberty in its inaugural season in Conference USA. Liberty shares the conference lead with two selections to the CUSA All-Academic team along with Middle Tennessee. Thomas-Smith and Robinson of only six student-athletes in the conference to receive the recognition.
Nominees must have at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) and have participated in 75 percent of scheduled matches. Candidates should be at least a sophomore class standing, but redshirt freshmen are eligible if they have completed enough credits.
Deji Thomas-Smith, Senior - 4.0 GPA, Major: MBA
The London, United Kingdom native owns a team-best 14-5 singles record (9-8 doubles) in 2024 playing primarily in the No. 3 singles position. The fifth-year senior is no stranger to CUSA awards this season, having received two CUSA Player of the Week awards (Feb. 21, April 3).
Thomas-Smith receives his third academic recognition. He was previously named to the CSC Academic All-District team in 2023 and was an ITA Scholar Athlete in 2020.
Thomas-Smith carried an eleven-match singles winning streak from Feb. 16 to March 29.
Chase Robinson, Redshirt Freshman - 3.9 GPA, Major: Business Administration
Robinson carries an 11-2 spring singles mark playing exclusively in the No. 6 singles position. The redshirt freshman currently holds a seven-match singles winning streak.
The Spartanburg, S.C. native receives his second academic honor, previously being named an ITA Scholar Athlete in 2023.
2024 CUSA Men's Tennis All-Academic Team
Matei Palcau, Jacksonville State
Chase Robinson, Liberty
Deji Thomas-Smith, Liberty
Leo Raquin, Middle Tennessee
Karmin Al-Amin, Middle Tennessee
Itay Feigin, New Mexico State
Thomas-Smith, Robinson and No. 48 Liberty (16-6) conclude their regular season on Saturday, hosting No. 71 UNCW at the Liberty Tennis Complex. Match time is 1 p.m. in what will be Senior Day for the Flames. This is Liberty's final match before it plays at the 2024 CUSA Men's Tennis Championship beginning next Thursday in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
The awards are the first academic honors for Liberty in its inaugural season in Conference USA. Liberty shares the conference lead with two selections to the CUSA All-Academic team along with Middle Tennessee. Thomas-Smith and Robinson of only six student-athletes in the conference to receive the recognition.
Nominees must have at least a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) and have participated in 75 percent of scheduled matches. Candidates should be at least a sophomore class standing, but redshirt freshmen are eligible if they have completed enough credits.
Deji Thomas-Smith, Senior - 4.0 GPA, Major: MBA
The London, United Kingdom native owns a team-best 14-5 singles record (9-8 doubles) in 2024 playing primarily in the No. 3 singles position. The fifth-year senior is no stranger to CUSA awards this season, having received two CUSA Player of the Week awards (Feb. 21, April 3).
Thomas-Smith receives his third academic recognition. He was previously named to the CSC Academic All-District team in 2023 and was an ITA Scholar Athlete in 2020.
Thomas-Smith carried an eleven-match singles winning streak from Feb. 16 to March 29.
Chase Robinson, Redshirt Freshman - 3.9 GPA, Major: Business Administration
Robinson carries an 11-2 spring singles mark playing exclusively in the No. 6 singles position. The redshirt freshman currently holds a seven-match singles winning streak.
The Spartanburg, S.C. native receives his second academic honor, previously being named an ITA Scholar Athlete in 2023.
2024 CUSA Men's Tennis All-Academic Team
Matei Palcau, Jacksonville State
Chase Robinson, Liberty
Deji Thomas-Smith, Liberty
Leo Raquin, Middle Tennessee
Karmin Al-Amin, Middle Tennessee
Itay Feigin, New Mexico State
Thomas-Smith, Robinson and No. 48 Liberty (16-6) conclude their regular season on Saturday, hosting No. 71 UNCW at the Liberty Tennis Complex. Match time is 1 p.m. in what will be Senior Day for the Flames. This is Liberty's final match before it plays at the 2024 CUSA Men's Tennis Championship beginning next Thursday in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
Wednesday, April 15
Thursday, April 09
Saturday, April 04
Saturday, January 24