May 14, 2008

Auburn, Ala. - Auburn Sophomore Fani Chifchieva was named South Region Player to Watch, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced this week.

"I am extremely excited for Fani and the women's tennis program," said Auburn head coach Tim Gray. "Fani has worked very hard this spring and her hard work is paying off big dividends."

Chifchieva is ranked as the No. 14 singles player in the nation by the ITA. She went 23-2 in the number one singles spot this season, picking up two post season wins. Chifchieva clinched Auburn's 4-3 NCAA First Round victory over Ohio State.

With this honor, Chifchieva's list of accolades continues to grow. Earlier this season she was named SEC Women's Tennis Player of the Year after being named Player of the Week twice.

In 2007 Chifchieva was named South Region Freshman of the Year, and she became the program's first All-American. She has also been selected First Team All-SEC two years in a row.

Chifchieva will represent Auburn as a seeded player at the NCAA Individual Championship, beginning on May 21, at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center in Tulsa, Okla.