In a significant achievement for the University of Pennsylvania men's tennis program, Manfredi Graziani and Aaron Sandler have been named ITA Doubles All-Americans, marking the first time in program history that Penn has received this honor. The duo completed the spring season with an impressive undefeated record of 20-0, contributing to an overall mark of 32-3. Their season included a semifinal appearance at the NCAA Doubles Championships in the fall, and they were recognized as First-team All-Ivy doubles after going 4-0 in conference play. Their performance has garnered national attention, as they reached as high as No. 2 in the ITA doubles rankings during the season.
The Penn football team is gearing up for a historic 2026 season, which will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the program. Head Coach Rick Santos expressed excitement about this milestone, emphasizing the importance of honoring the legacy of past players and teams while striving to create a new legacy. The season kicks off on September 19 at Bucknell, followed by a home opener against Lehigh on September 26, where fans can expect a renewed rivalry.
In rowing, the program faces a transition as head coach Bill Manning has announced his resignation to focus on his health following a skin cancer diagnosis. Manning, who has led the women's rowing team for the past two seasons, expressed gratitude for his time at Penn and the support he has received. Alanna Wren, the Director of Athletics, affirmed the university's commitment to the well-being of its staff and student-athletes during this challenging time.
Softball saw five players recognized for their academic achievements, as Delaney Smith, Gigi Ganje, Alexis Youngren, Ainsley Pemberton, and Morgan Sullivan were named CSC Academic All-District. Smith's standout season included a .432 batting average and a record 45 RBIs, while Ganje also earned First Team All-Ivy honors. This recognition highlights the balance of academic and athletic excellence within the program.