Valery Gynina was named the Southeast Regional Player to Watch by the ITA in June of 2026
ITA names Valery Gynina Southeast Regional Player to Watch
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | Women's Tennis
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced today that Florida's Valery Gynina is the Southeast Regional ITA Player to Watch following her impressive junior campaign.
Gynina joined the Gators in the fall after two years at Florida International. She began the season ranked 118th in the nation in singles, rising all the way to No. 36 by year's end thanks to a 19-9 overall record, eight victories over nationally-ranked opponents and four wins against top-20 competition. The Moscow, Russia native played at both number one and number two singles for Florida throughout the year, and didn't lose a single match from March 1 through April 16.
On the doubles side of the ledger, Gynina partnered with freshman Brooke Black in the spring, playing almost exclusively in the number two slot. They burst into the national rankings at No. 74 in mid-April, and finished the season ranked No. 44 in the country. The tandem won six of their final seven matches of the year, including victories over the Nos. 10, 19 and 66 teams in the nation.
Florida finished the season ranked No. 18 in the country as a team, and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Gators went 10-5 in SEC play, recording six more wins than the year prior, which tied the conference record for year-over-year improvement
The ITA is the governing body of college tennis, overseeing men's and women's varsity tennis at all levels — NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and Junior/Community College. Every year it recognizes coaches and student-athletes for their excellence both on the court and in their communities throughout the season. The national award winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 16th.
Gynina joined the Gators in the fall after two years at Florida International. She began the season ranked 118th in the nation in singles, rising all the way to No. 36 by year's end thanks to a 19-9 overall record, eight victories over nationally-ranked opponents and four wins against top-20 competition. The Moscow, Russia native played at both number one and number two singles for Florida throughout the year, and didn't lose a single match from March 1 through April 16.
On the doubles side of the ledger, Gynina partnered with freshman Brooke Black in the spring, playing almost exclusively in the number two slot. They burst into the national rankings at No. 74 in mid-April, and finished the season ranked No. 44 in the country. The tandem won six of their final seven matches of the year, including victories over the Nos. 10, 19 and 66 teams in the nation.
Florida finished the season ranked No. 18 in the country as a team, and advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Gators went 10-5 in SEC play, recording six more wins than the year prior, which tied the conference record for year-over-year improvement
The ITA is the governing body of college tennis, overseeing men's and women's varsity tennis at all levels — NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and Junior/Community College. Every year it recognizes coaches and student-athletes for their excellence both on the court and in their communities throughout the season. The national award winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 16th.
Players Mentioned
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