Historic week sees Rattlers claim women’s tennis crown and first-ever men’s golf title
FAMU Athletics, again, cemented its status as a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) powerhouse this week, capturing two league championships in a span of four days, including a first in men’s golf.Women’s Tennis: Rattlers secure second SWAC crown
On Sunday, the FAMU women’s tennis team defeated Jackson State 4-2 at New Orleans’ City Park Tennis Center to claim the 2025 SWAC Tournament Championship—their second title in three years and third consecutive regular season championship.
Tournament MVP Sara Rakim anchored the Rattlers’ victory, delivering a decisive performance in singles play. She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by teammates Reagan Harris and Genesis Whitelock, who combined for critical wins in doubles and singles matches.
“This group’s resilience and chemistry set them apart,” said FAMU head tennis coach Rochelle Houston, whose program has become a SWAC juggernaut. “Three straight years of titles isn’t just talent—it’s culture.”
Men’s Golf: Wins SWAC Championship
Four days prior, the Rattlers’ men’s golf team etched its name into the record books, clinching FAMU’s first SWAC Championship in program history with a dominant six-stroke victory at Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones-Oxmoor Valley course.
Led by head coach Mike Rice, the Rattlers shot a final-round 292 (+4) to finish at 880 (+16) overall, outpacing runner-up Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Three FAMU stars—Sascha Robinson, Miguel Illas, and Jonathan Scott—earned All-SWAC First Team honors, with Robinson’s leadership credited for steadying the team through tense moments.
“Making history for FAMU is surreal,” said Robinson, a senior. “We’ve worked years for this moment. To see it pay off for our university? Unforgettable.”
A Banner week for FAMU athletics
The dual championships cap a landmark season for FAMU, which has increasingly become a force to be reckoned with in the SWAC since joining the conference in 2021. The women’s tennis team’s sustained excellence and the golf program’s breakthrough further highlighted the coaches and athletes dedication.
“These wins aren’t just wins for FAMU Athletics, but for Florida A&M University as a whole,” said VP/AD Angela Adams-Suggs. “When our student-athletes excel, it showcases FAMU’s commitment to holistic excellence.”