AUSTIN, Texas – Following a sensational senior season in which he helped Arizona men's tennis reach the Elite Eight for the first time in program history, Jay Friend has been named a First Team Academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators, the organization announced Wednesday.

Friend was one of six Division I men's tennis players to earn Academic All-America First Team honors.

Friend had a historic senior season both on the court and in the classroom. Academically, he maintained a 3.83 GPA. On the court, he established himself as one of the nation's top players, helping lead Arizona to the Elite Eight and a final national ranking of No. 7. Friend was named Big 12 Co-Player of the Year and finished the season ranked No. 3 nationally in singles, matching the program record for the highest final singles ranking all-time. He also excelled in doubles, teaming with Sasha Rozin to finish the year ranked No. 44 in the country.

He was also named First Team All-Big 12 in both singles and doubles and broke the program record for career singles victories with 110.

Overall, Friend posted a 23-3 singles record during the 2025-26 season while playing exclusively on Court 1.