Aya El Sayed has returned to the Colorado Buffaloes women’s tennis team for another season, following a season-ending injury during her graduate year. El Sayed, who transferred from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2022, led the team in singles matches and made significant contributions throughout her time with the Buffs.
El Sayed’s return is notable because she was granted an additional year of spring competition after her injury. Her leadership and performance have had a strong impact on the team’s results. “It still feels unbelievable that I’m back,” El Sayed said. “I am really grateful that I got the opportunity, and everyone has been so supportive. I love it.”
Head coach Anthony Pham praised her influence on both the team and athletic department: “When Aya decided to come back, not just the team but everyone in the athletic department was so excited because of who she is,” Pham said. “She’s such a hard worker, and a great representative of our program and our university.” So far this season, four out of six victories by El Sayed have come from upsets over ranked opponents.
After defeating Oklahoma State’s No. 53 Olivia Lincer earlier this season, El Sayed became the first Buff since 2010 to receive Big 12 Player of the Week honors. In doubles play, she has found success with partner Pia Rebec as well as freshman Yukiko Ikedo.
Reflecting on her goals for this comeback season, El Sayed said: “My main goal coming back is to help the team as much as I can and put us in positions to keep moving forward. There is still a lot to work on, and we are getting better every week.” She also commented on playing with Rebec: “Playing with Pia is great,” El Sayed said. “No matter what the score is or how we are doing, we are always smiling, and it’s always a great time. She’s an unbelievable player, and I am lucky to be able to have her as my partner.”
During her career at Colorado so far, El Sayed has achieved a singles record of 56-39 and doubles record of 42-25—ranking among program leaders in several categories including total singles wins (30th), No.1 singles wins (10th), most doubles wins at No.1 position (8th), most No.1 doubles pair wins with Rebec (tied for fifth), and combined singles/doubles wins (34th).
Pham summed up her impact by saying: “She’s done such a great job at leading the team,” he said.”She slipped right back in, and we are so grateful she came back to help us through our season this spring.” The Buffaloes will face Texas Tech next Saturday.
