Building an impressive list of accolades in her rookie season, freshman Kira Farrakhova was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Year in women’s tennis, while also receiving first team all-conference honors on Thursday.
This marks the first time in Seton Hall Athletics history that a tennis player has received a major award. In addition, Farrakhova was a unanimous committee selection to the All-BIG EAST First Team, making her the first in women’s tennis program history to be named All-conference since 2018-2019, and the first to be named to the conference’s first-team since 2016-2017.
It also marks the second set of honors that Farrakhova has received in her dominant first season with the Pirates, winning BIG EAST Singles Player of the Week on Feb. 17—the first Pirate to do so since 2021-2022.
“It means a lot to see my hard work pay off, and I’m really thankful for the awards,” said Farrakhova. “I had a great time with the team, and I’m excited to use this as motivation to keep improving both on and off the court.”
As a five-star high-school recruit coming out of Boca Raton, Farrakhova made an immediate impact as the No. 1 position on SHU’s lineup. Farrakhova excelled in both singles play with a 4-3 conference record and an 18-14 finish, including both Fall and Spring results. The Florida native proved through numerous wins against other No. 1 players, hailing from schools that included Villanova, St. Johns, UConn, Providence, that she is among the conference’s elite.
Among the other players that were named to the All-BIG EAST First Team Farrakhova had defeated two. This includes Ela Platenikova from UConn, and Victoria Padaopoulou from St. John’s. One of Farrakhova’s biggest wins this season was against the University of Delaware’s ace, the regionally-ranked Maryia Hrynashka, who Farrakhova defeated in straight sets.
Not only was Farrakhova’s collegiate debut season a successful one, it was one of adaptability and perseverance. Farrakhova spoke on the importance she placed on her first season at The Hall.
“This season meant a lot because it was also my first time ever playing indoor tennis, which forced me to adapt quickly.”
And Farrakhova certainly did adapt.
Despite being a force in singles play, Farrakhova also found success in doubles, finishing with a record of 17-14 through both the Fall and Spring. Farrakhova was often paired on the court with sophomore Isabelle May or junior Anastasia Sereda.
As a Division I student athlete who is also a full-time student in SHU’s pre-med program, Farrakhova embodies hard work both on and off the court. As Farrakhova’s season draws to a close following the BIG EAST Tournament, there will be much anticipation for her sophomore season—and the improvement that will hopefully come with it.
Christian Hui is the assistant sports editor for The Setonian. He can be reached at christian.hui@student.shu.edu.
