Purizaca First to Earn Academic All-America in Women's Tennis

AUSTIN, Texas - Doane University junior Maria Purizaca added another national honor to an already decorated career as the Tiger standout was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America® NAIA Women's Tennis Second Team, becoming the first player in Doane women's tennis history to earn Academic All-America recognition. Purizaca was one of six student-athletes selected to the NAIA second team by CSC.

The honor recognizes excellence both on the court and in the classroom, with Purizaca earning Academic All-America distinction after another dominant season in singles play while meeting the grade point average requirement as an Exercise Science major. She was listed among the NAIA second team selections alongside student-athletes from Bethel (Kan.), Texas Wesleyan, Marian, Southeastern, and William Carey.

Purizaca continued to establish herself as one of the nation's elite players during the 2025-26 season, earning NAIA All-America honors for the third consecutive year after being named Second Team All-America earlier this spring. She previously earned Second Team honors in 2024 and Third Team recognition in 2025.

The Tiger junior delivered one of the most dominant individual seasons in program history, posting a 31-2 overall singles record across dual competition and tournament play. Purizaca also became the first player in Doane tennis history to complete an undefeated dual season, finishing 20-0 in team competition.

Competing against many of the nation's best, Purizaca went 6-2 against fellow 2026 NAIA All-Americans and climbed as high as No. 5 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Collegiate NAIA singles rankings before ending the season ranked No. 8 nationally.

Across three seasons at Doane, Purizaca has compiled a remarkable 92-8 career singles record, establishing herself as one of the most accomplished players in program history both athletically and academically.

The CSC Academic All-America® program honors student-athletes for combined achievements in athletics and academics, with Purizaca becoming the first women's tennis player in school history to receive the distinction. The 2025-26 NAIA Women's Tennis Academic All-America teams were announced Tuesday by College Sports Communicators.

(generated by ChatGPT)