BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Valdosta State’s Charleigh Fay (player) and AUM’s Mercedes Garcia Cid (freshman) were recognized with sixth set of Gulf South Conference Women’s Tennis Weekly Awards presented by Athletic Solutions for the 2026 season, following their performances from March 9-15.
GSC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Emily Buchanan, Jr., Mississippi College
- Helped the Blazers to a 3-0 week with wins over Delta State, No. 26 Columbus State and Georgia College.
- Went 3-0 at No. 4 singles.
- Defeated Delta State’s Anastasi Iakovlieva (6-2, 6-7 [3-7], 1-0 [10-7]).
- Defeated Columbus State’s Sofia Lauretti (6-4, 7-6 [7-2]).
- Defeated Georgia College’s Laura Almagro (7-6 [12-10], 6-3).
- Recorded a pair of wins alongside Ivana Castillo.
- Defeated CSU’s Nikoline Gullacksen and Annie Adams (7-6 [7-4]).
- Defeated GCSU’s Almagro and Natalie Kirka (6-2).
Other nominees: Melissa Yakup Pour, AUM; Rima Yoshida, Lee; Rocio Martinez, Mississippi College; Claire Jaramba, Montevallo
GSC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Mercedes Garcia Cid, AUM
- Defeated No. 17-ranked Alexa Milliam of West Alabama (6-3, 6-1) on court two.
- Accounted for AUM’s lone point in the match.
Other nominees: Rune Van Wyk, MC
2026 GSC Women’s Tennis Weekly Awards
Feb. 11: Charleigh Fay, Valdosta State (Player) / Nagisa Yonezawa, AUM (Freshman)
Feb. 18: Shaira Rivera, West Alabama (Player) / Amelia Ciesielczyk, Delta State (Freshman)
Feb. 25: Emily Buchanan, Mississippi College (Player) / Kylie Kochis, West Florida (Freshman)
Mar. 4: Sandra Recuenco, West Florida (Player) / Jian Ibrahim, West Alabama (Freshman)
Mar. 11: Emily Buchanan, Mississippi College (Player) / Mercedes Garcia Cid, AUM (Freshman)
Mar. 17: Charleigh Fay, Valdosta State (Player) / Mercedes Garcia Cid, AUM (Freshman)