For the first time in program history, a Lee University women's tennis player has been named the Gulf South Conference player of the year. After a fantastic season, Ashleigh Simes earned the award for the Lady Flames as announced by the league on Wednesday evening. Simes is also on the First Team All-GSC and is joined by teammate Maria Penalver Aguilo.
Simes has had a career best season for the Lady Flames. In singles, the senior from Canberra, Australia has led her team in wins, with an impressive 21-3 overall record and 7-1 in GSC play.
She is also the #1 ranked player in Division II, including titles in the ITA Cup in the fall and also the Fall GSC individual championship. In doubles, Simes and partner Aliyah Dwyer are 10-4 overall and 5-3 in GSC play, at #1 singles. Simes has now been named to an All-GSC team for four straight years. In 2022, she was on the second team. Then in 2023, 2024, and now 2025 she has been a first team member. She is the 20th player in GSC history to be named an All-GSC member for four years.
Maria Penalver Aguilo has had a brilliant season for the Lady Flames. The senior from Las Palmas, Spain has compiled a 15-3 overall record and 6-2 in GSC play, from the #2 position. In doubles, Penalver Aguilo has registered a 13-5 overall record and 6-2 in GSC competition, also at the #2 position. It is the first time she has been on the All-GSC team.
Coach Patric Hynes is proud of the accomplishment for his two players. "Ash and Maria have both had a fantastic year so far. I’m really happy for both girls, they have both put a lot of hard work into making themselves and their team better."