Two-time POTY muamba headlines stacked senior class

The Flames Men’s Tennis team took time to honor the squad’s sole senior Nicaise Muamba April 16 in a match that doubled as Senior Day. 

Muamba has been a staple of the program since his arrival in Lynchburg, with pivotal contributions to the program’s growth in recent years. He has earned a laundry list of awards and nominations during his time at Liberty, including being named ASUN Player of the week seven times, being named to the ASUN All-Decade Team, and 2019 and 2021 ASUN Player of the Year. 

Muamba kept the awards coming in his senior season, finishing his career at Liberty University as a second team ASUN  all-conference selection. 

“Nicaise was part of my first recruiting class … and he has meant everything to this team over the years,” Head Coach Derek Schwandt said. “One thing that means a lot to our team is our team culture, and Nicaise was hugely important in building that culture.” 

While the loss of Muamba will be felt by many, none will likely miss his presence on the court more than his doubles partner, Rafael Marques Da Silva. The pair had yet another stellar season together, receiving the prestigious accolade of ASUN Doubles Pair of the Year for the second season in a row. Muamba and Marques Da Silva will finish 29-11 all-time as a pairing at Liberty. 

Along with Muamba, three other Liberty tennis players concluded the season with ASUN accolades. 

Junior Josh Wilson was named ASUN Scholar Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row, recognized for maintaining a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a master’s degree in finance. Wilson was also a first team ASUN all-conference selection, his second time receiving this honor and third
all-conference award of his career.  

South Africa native Christiaan Worst was another Flame recognized with academic honors, being named to the ASUN             All-Academic team for his 3.94 GPA as a business student. Worst’s dominance, however, stretches far beyond the classroom as he boasts a team-best this season in 14 spring singles victories.

Marques Da Silva was honored as a second team ASUN all-conference selection, his second career all-conference honor after being named to last year’s first team. Marques Da Silva concluded the regular season with a 6-2 ASUN mark and 10 total wins in spring play. 

Liberty, Florida Gulf Coast and North Florida led the ASUN with three
all-conferences honorees, respectively. 

YOUNG is a sports reporter.