MEAC Tennis Stars Shine Bright for HBCU Community

NORFOLK, Va., Feb. 17, 2026 — The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the premier NCAA Division I conference for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), announced its weekly tennis honors, and the HBCU community has much to celebrate.

North Carolina Central Senior Rodrigo Alves Earns MEAC Men's Tennis Player of the Week

Leading the way is Rodrigo Alves, a senior at North Carolina Central University. Alves, a standout on the men's tennis team, was named the MEAC Men's Tennis Player of the Week for his dominant performance on the court.

"Rodrigo has been a cornerstone of our tennis program for the past four years. His dedication, skill, and leadership have been instrumental in our success, and this recognition is a testament to his hard work," said North Carolina Central's head coach, Dr. Jamal Rasheed.

Alves, a native of São Paulo, Brazil, has been a force to be reckoned with in the MEAC, consistently showcasing his talent and athleticism.

In the women's division, Jasmine Williams, a junior from Howard University, was named the MEAC Women's Tennis Player of the Week. Williams, a rising star in the HBCU tennis community, has been instrumental in leading the Howard Bison to success on the court.

"Jasmine's consistent performance and unwavering commitment to her craft have been invaluable to our program," said Howard University's head coach, Dr. Fatima Bah. "This award is a well-deserved recognition of her talent and the hard work she puts in every day."

The MEAC, known for its rich history and traditions, continues to be a breeding ground for exceptional student-athletes who proudly represent the HBCU community. These weekly honors serve as a testament to the incredible talent and determination of HBCU tennis players, who are making waves in the world of collegiate sports.

HBCUConnect's Perspective: The recognition of Rodrigo Alves and Jasmine Williams as the MEAC Tennis Players of the Week is a proud moment for the HBCU community. These achievements highlight the excellence and dedication of HBCU student-athletes, who consistently prove that they can compete and excel at the highest levels of collegiate sports. By showcasing the talent and success of HBCU tennis players, we not only celebrate their individual accomplishments but also shine a light on the vibrant and thriving sports culture within the HBCU ecosystem. This story reinforces the HBCU community's unwavering commitment to fostering and nurturing the next generation of champions, both on and off the court.

Originally reported by MEAC Sports.