Four Tigers Earn Prestigious All-ACC Honors, Showcasing Season-Long Excellence on the Court
The 2025 ACC tennis season has come to a thrilling conclusion, marked by elite performances, unforgettable matches, and standout individual achievements. Among the many highlights, one story has captured the attention of the collegiate tennis community: four players from the Clemson Tigers men’s tennis team have earned prestigious All-ACC honors, a testament to their sustained excellence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to team success throughout the season. Their recognition not only reflects individual talent but also underscores the program’s continued rise as a formidable force within the conference.
This historic moment did not come by chance. It was built through relentless work in practice sessions, rigorous strength and conditioning programs, and a deep bond among teammates who pushed each other to new heights. The four honorees—each with a unique story, playing style, and contribution—epitomize the culture that head coach Brandon Blackwell has cultivated over recent seasons: one rooted in discipline, ambition, and an unshakeable belief in the team’s mission. From the early fall tournaments to the high-stakes matches of conference play, these athletes demonstrated consistency, competitiveness, and leadership, setting the standard for excellence both on and off the court.
Senior captain Daniel Reyes has long been considered the heart of the Clemson program. In his final collegiate season, he delivered a campaign worthy of the highest praise. Known for his powerful baseline game, tactical intelligence, and fierce determination in tie-break situations, Reyes compiled a record that ranked among the top in the ACC. But numbers alone cannot capture his true value. It was his clutch performances against nationally ranked opponents, his calm under pressure, and his role as a mentor to younger teammates that earned him a place on the All-ACC First Team. For Reyes, this honor is the culmination of four years of growth and leadership. Entering Clemson as a promising but raw talent, he developed into one of the most respected and dependable players in the league. His dedication to fitness, film study, and mental preparation elevated not only his game but that of those around him.
Joining Reyes in the spotlight is junior standout Luca Petrovic, whose electric playing style and aggressive court presence made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents. Petrovic, a Serbian native with international experience on the ITF circuit, brought flair and fire to every match. His crosscourt forehands were punishing, his net play deft and confident, and his ability to adapt to different matchups made him a strategic weapon for the Tigers. Over the course of the season, Petrovic notched signature wins against top-20 opponents, often swinging momentum in Clemson’s favor during crucial dual matches. His inclusion on the All-ACC Second Team is a well-earned reward for a player whose upside continues to rise. While his physical talents are undeniable, it was Petrovic’s emotional maturity and increased focus that truly distinguished his junior season. Once known for bouts of inconsistency, he transformed into a steady, strategic competitor who learned how to harness his passion into productivity.
Sophomore Andre Miller represents the exciting youth movement within the Clemson program. The Florida native burst onto the scene in his freshman year but took a monumental leap in his second campaign. With a game built around relentless court coverage, lightning-quick reflexes, and remarkable shot selection, Miller became the engine that kept the Tigers running in the middle of the lineup. Frequently tasked with facing opponents who boasted more experience or size, Miller relied on his endurance and mental toughness to grind out points and wear down adversaries. His performances in key ACC matches, particularly his three-set marathon victory against North Carolina, earned him widespread respect from coaches and analysts alike. Recognized on the All-ACC Third Team, Miller’s season was a blueprint for how young players can make an immediate impact through hard work, humility, and a refusal to back down. He credits much of his improvement to off-season work with the team’s conditioning staff, which helped him build the stamina needed for five-set matches and deep tournament runs.
Rounding out the quartet is graduate transfer Emiliano Costa, whose arrival this season added veteran experience and a calm presence to the Clemson roster. A former All-Conference performer at a mid-major program, Costa brought with him a wealth of match experience and a cerebral approach to the game. Though not the flashiest player on the team, his consistency, smart shot placement, and ability to dictate tempo made him a linchpin in the doubles lineup and a reliable closer in singles. Costa was often the player who sealed victories in tight matches, using his veteran savvy to stay composed during high-stress points. His recognition on the All-ACC Honorable Mention list is a nod to his immense contribution in a single season with the Tigers. Beyond statistics, Costa’s influence could be felt in team meetings, practice intensity, and his ability to connect with players across different age groups and backgrounds.
Together, these four Tigers formed the backbone of a team that exceeded preseason expectations and consistently challenged traditional powerhouses within the conference. The synergy between them—despite different roles, personalities, and styles—became a defining feature of Clemson’s success. In dual matches, they set the tone early with aggressive doubles play, followed by balanced singles efforts that often left opponents reeling. The Tigers developed a reputation for their grit and refusal to concede, frequently clawing back from deficits and winning matches that appeared out of reach. That resilience was most evident in the ACC Tournament, where they advanced deeper than any Clemson team in recent memory, pushing the eventual champions to the brink in an epic semifinal battle.
Much of this growth can be attributed to the vision and leadership of the coaching staff. Coach Blackwell and his assistants implemented a data-driven approach that emphasized player development, scouting, and strategic flexibility. Each athlete had a personalized training plan that addressed technical improvement, mental resilience, and match-specific tactics. The staff’s emphasis on accountability and team cohesion created an environment where players were motivated to push their limits—not for personal accolades, but for team glory. The All-ACC honors bestowed upon Reyes, Petrovic, Miller, and Costa serve as a powerful validation of this process. They are individual recognitions, yes, but they symbolize a collective achievement born from a shared commitment to excellence.
Off the court, these four student-athletes have also distinguished themselves. All four maintained strong academic standings, with Reyes and Costa set to graduate with honors. They have been active in community engagement efforts, including youth clinics, charity events, and campus leadership initiatives. For them, representing Clemson goes beyond tennis—it is about embodying the values of integrity, service, and school pride. Their ability to balance the demands of Division I athletics with academic and social responsibilities further highlights the depth of character within the program.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for Clemson tennis. While Reyes and Costa will graduate, their legacy sets a strong foundation for continued growth. Petrovic and Miller are expected to return as key figures, and their experience will be invaluable in mentoring the next wave of talent. The Tigers’ incoming recruiting class is already generating buzz, with several top-ranked juniors set to join the fold. With a blend of proven leadership, rising stars, and strategic vision from the coaching staff, Clemson is poised to remain a contender in the ACC and on the national stage.
For now, the spotlight belongs to the four honorees—Reyes, Petrovic, Miller, and Costa—who have etched their names into Clemson tennis history. Their journey to All-ACC recognition is a story of perseverance, teamwork, and belief. They have inspired their teammates, coaches, and fans, reminding everyone that greatness is not given but earned through dedication, sacrifice, and an unrelenting desire to improve. As the campus community celebrates their achievements, one thing is certain: the roar of these Tigers will echo long after the final serve of the season.
Their presence on the All-ACC lists is more than a line in a stat sheet; it is a reflection of what happens when talent is met with purpose. Whether it was Reyes’s poise in the clutch, Petrovic’s firepower from the baseline, Miller’s gritty defense, or Costa’s veteran composure, each player brought something irreplaceable to the court. Together, they showed that excellence is not just about winning matches—it’s about how you prepare, how you support your teammates, and how you carry yourself through triumph and adversity alike.
As the curtain falls on a memorable season, these four Tigers leave behind a legacy of excellence that will inspire future Clemson athletes for years to come. The All-ACC honors are just the beginning of what they have accomplished—and what they will continue to achieve in the next chapters of their journeys. Whether in professional tennis, coaching, or other pursuits, the qualities that earned them conference recognition will serve them well beyond the confines of a tennis court. They have made their mark—and the ACC, their university, and the sport of college tennis are better for it.
