Ben Shelton drops 2-word shout out to fellow Gator Parker Valby as she wins the Bowerman Award
Ben Shelton is one of the most promising American men's singles players at the moment. Recently, the tennis star penned a short note of appreciation for fellow Florida Gators athlete, Parker Valby, as she was named the winner of the Bowerman Award.
Valby is a middle-distance, cross-country runner and is one of the most dominant NCAA athletes in the events. She's won a total of six national championships and holds the NCAA records in three different years. In 2024, she won the outdoor 5000m and 10,000m NCAA Championships as well as the indoor 3000m and 5000m national title.
As a result, the runner was honored with the Bowerman Award, which is the highest individual honor in collegiate track and field. Recently, the official Florida Gators track and field account on Instagram shared an edit celebrating Valby and her win. Ben Shelton reshared this edit to his Instagram story and wrote:
“U cold @parkervalby.”
Ben Shelton’s 2024 season began at the Brisbane International, where he was knocked out in the opening round. He recovered quickly, reaching the semifinals of the ASB Classic. Throughout the year, Shelton made multiple semifinals and finals appearances at ATP 250 and 500 events, winning the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in April.
Ben Shelton's collegiate career with the Florida Gators
Ben Shelton first signed with the Florida Gators in June of 2020. He quickly became an integral part of the team and notched up an overall record of 28-5. In his freshman year with the team, he helped them claim the SEC Championships and later clinched the title-winning match at the NCAA Championships.
From there, Shelton only got better in his second year with the Gators. He racked up an overall record of 37-5 in singles matches, helping Florida successfully defend their SEC title. His second season with the team also saw him win the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American Championships and the NCAA Singles Championships. He wrapped the year as the nation's top-ranked player and was named SEC Player of the Year as well as National Player of the Year.
After 2022, Ben Shelton forged the remaining years of his collegiate career in order to turn pro. Since turning pro, he has won the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships and the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship. He also reached the finals of the Swiss Indoors ATP 500 event earlier this year.