Two standout athletes from the University of Oklahoma's men’s tennis team have been recognized with prestigious All-SEC honors. As announced on Thursday, junior Luis Alvarez and freshman Oscar Lacides both earned second-team All-SEC distinctions. Additionally, Lacides was selected for the All-Freshman Team. Their remarkable performances throughout the season contributed significantly to the Sooners' success in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference.
Luis Alvarez has demonstrated exceptional consistency for the Sooners during the 2024-25 campaign. In the spring alone, he achieved an impressive 14-4 record, which included nine victories against SEC opponents. Alvarez remains undefeated at the fourth singles position, where he holds a perfect 4-0 record. Furthermore, his performance at the third singles line reflects a strong 6-2 mark. He also secured three wins on court two and one triumph playing at the top spot. A native of Mexico, Alvarez managed two ranked wins this season, highlighted by a decisive victory over Georgia's then-No. 25 player, Thomas Paulsell. Alvarez played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back road wins for the Sooners against Ole Miss and Alabama, both of which required tie-breaking third sets. His efforts earned him the SEC Player of the Week honor in early April. With an eight-match winning streak in conference play, Alvarez provided crucial points for the Sooners in their SEC competitions. Starting the season ranked No. 62 in singles, Alvarez re-entered the top-100 rankings in early April, settling at No. 87.
Oscar Lacides, hailing from France, made an immediate impact as a freshman. Amassing ten wins in his debut season, Lacides showcased his potential early on with a notable victory over Georgia's then-No. 31 Miguel Perez Pena, earning him the SEC Freshman of the Week accolade. Lacides also triumphed over Texas A&M's then-No. 37 JC Roddick, further solidifying his reputation. Competing predominantly at the top singles position, he accumulated eight wins there throughout the season. Ranked consistently in singles throughout the year, Lacides was recognized as the nation's No. 10 newcomer. Partnering with Bruno Nhavene in doubles, they began the season ranked and broke into the top 25 in early April. Their achievements include victories over Texas's then-No. 6 duo and Kentucky's then-No. 18 pair. The latest ITA doubles rankings saw Lacides and Nhavene achieve their highest ranking of the season at No. 10.
The Sooners are now focused on advancing in the NCAA Tournament, with draws set to be revealed on Monday, April 28, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Fans can stay updated by following @OU_MTennis on Instagram and X or liking Oklahoma Men’s Tennis on Facebook.
As the university anticipates the upcoming tournament, the recognition of Alvarez and Lacides serves as a testament to their dedication and talent. Their contributions not only highlight individual achievements but also bolster the team's overall standing within the conference and beyond. This acknowledgment sets the stage for continued excellence as the Sooners prepare for national competition.