Dasha Vidmanova Crowned 2025 SEC Female Athlete of the Year After Stellar Season Leading Georgia Women’s Tennis to Glory

In a moment of pride for the University of Georgia and a defining chapter in one of the most decorated collegiate tennis careers in recent memory, junior sensation Dasha Vidmanova has been named the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Female Athlete of the Year. The announcement came Wednesday from the conference office, cementing Vidmanova’s place among the elite student-athletes in the nation.

Vidmanova’s honor is not just a testament to her exceptional individual performance on the court—it reflects her leadership, consistency, and the pivotal role she played in pushing Georgia women’s tennis into the national spotlight this past season. The prestigious award places her alongside previous icons of SEC athletics, including Olympic gold medalists, world champions, and future professionals in a wide array of sports.

A native of Prague, Czech Republic, Vidmanova has been a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ women’s tennis program since stepping foot on campus. In 2025, she elevated her game to new heights, compiling a remarkable 32-3 record in singles play and forming one of the most dominant doubles pairings in the country. Her blend of aggressive baseline play, impeccable court vision, and calm under pressure made her a nightmare for opponents and a hero to Bulldog fans.

This season, Georgia reached the NCAA semifinals for the first time since 2019, and Vidmanova was central to that deep postseason run. Playing at the No. 1 singles position for much of the year, she routinely defeated top-10 opponents, including a legendary comeback win over Florida’s then-No. 2 ranked Sofia Rojas in the SEC Tournament final. That match, in which Vidmanova rallied from a set and a break down, is already being talked about as one of the most memorable moments in Georgia tennis history.

“This award means the world to me,” Vidmanova said in a statement released by the university. “To be recognized in a conference as competitive and talented as the SEC is truly humbling. I’m incredibly grateful to my coaches, my teammates, and the Georgia fans who have supported me every step of the way.”

Head coach Jeff Wallace, who has led the Bulldogs for over three decades, was quick to praise his star player. “Dasha is the complete package,” Wallace said. “She brings leadership, intensity, and professionalism to our program. She’s the kind of athlete who makes everyone around her better. This award is more than deserved—she’s earned every bit of it.”

The SEC Female Athlete of the Year is awarded annually to the most outstanding female student-athlete in the conference, based on athletic performance, academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Vidmanova checked every box in 2025.

Not only was she nearly unstoppable on the court, but she also maintained a 3.9 GPA as a psychology major and was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team. She served as a student-athlete mentor for underclassmen, volunteered at local elementary schools, and helped organize a campus-wide mental health awareness event in Athens this spring. Her leadership extended far beyond the tennis court.

“She’s an inspiration, plain and simple,” said Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks. “What she’s accomplished here at Georgia is a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete. We’re proud of her, not only for what she’s done for Georgia tennis, but for the way she’s represented this university.”

While Georgia boasts a rich tradition in tennis, Vidmanova’s accolade adds a new layer to that legacy. She becomes just the second women’s tennis player in program history to earn SEC Female Athlete of the Year honors, joining Lisa Spain, who won the award in 1984. Her name now sits beside Georgia legends like Courtney Kupets (gymnastics), Keturah Orji (track and field), and Bailey Tardy (golf)—an elite club of Bulldogs who achieved regional and national greatness.

Vidmanova’s path to collegiate tennis stardom has been a story of resilience and relentless work ethic. She arrived in Athens as a five-star recruit and one of the top juniors in Europe. Though she impressed immediately as a freshman, her sophomore year was cut short due to injury. Rather than let the setback derail her career, Vidmanova came back stronger, retooling her game and spending the offseason refining her serve, return positioning, and fitness.

Her hard work paid off in emphatic fashion this year. She went undefeated in SEC play, was named the SEC Player of the Year, and received ITA All-America honors in both singles and doubles. Perhaps most impressively, she developed into a vocal leader—a player who inspired confidence in her teammates and carried herself with poise in even the most high-pressure situations.

“She’s our heartbeat,” said teammate Mai Nirundorn. “When Dasha is on the court, we all feed off her energy. She sets the tone in practice, in matches, even in the locker room. She’s taught me how to compete like a champion.”

Vidmanova’s influence is especially timely as college tennis continues to evolve in the NIL era, where distractions and shifting priorities can threaten team unity. Instead of being sidetracked, Vidmanova remained committed to the values of college athletics—discipline, camaraderie, and growth. She’s even used her platform to advocate for greater support for women’s sports and increased resources for international student-athletes.

Nationally, her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. ESPN analyst and former pro tennis player Renee Stubbs recently called Vidmanova “one of the most complete collegiate players in the country” and “a future star in the professional ranks.” Her combination of academic integrity, athletic prowess, and leadership qualities has made her one of the most sought-after names among scouts and agents alike.

Though she still has a year of eligibility remaining, speculation is growing that Vidmanova could turn professional after this season. If she does, she would likely enter the WTA Tour with a wildcard from the USTA and a ranking that positions her for immediate entry into ITF and WTA 250-level events.

But for now, the focus remains on the present—and what a season it was. Georgia’s 2025 campaign will be remembered not just for its impressive win total or its thrilling SEC title defense, but for the performances of a singular talent whose dedication lifted everyone around her.

Vidmanova’s season ended with her hoisting the SEC Championship trophy and leading Georgia to a deep NCAA run. Now, with the SEC Female Athlete of the Year title added to her growing list of accolades, she has left a legacy that will be remembered long after her final match in Athens.

“This is a chapter I’ll never forget,” Vidmanova said. “To be part of something bigger than myself, to play for this team, for these coaches, for the fans at Georgia—that’s what I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

As the applause echoes across the SEC, there’s no doubt: Dasha Vidmanova’s brilliance in 2025 wasn’t just historic—it was unforgettable.