Colorado University Athletics
Tennis Spotlight: Aya El Sayed is the Leader Everyone Needs
March 24, 2026 | Tennis
BOULDER – Aya El Sayed has made her mark on the Colorado Buffaloes tennis team in the last four years, leaving her legacy in the history books.
El Sayed became a Buff in 2022, transferring from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. In her first season with Colorado, she led the team with an overall singles record of 21-10, including 14-2 in dual matches, all in the No. 4 position, and a perfect 5-0 record in Pac-12 singles matches.
During the 2023-24 season, she led the team at the top position for singles play, posting a 9-8 singles record at No. 1. She also marked 100 career wins and was ranked consistently throughout the season in doubles with partner Pia Rebec, as well as once in singles at No. 117.
The Alexandria, Egypt, native had a tough start to her last year as a graduate student, suffering a season-ending injury early in the dual season. El Sayed thought her time at Colorado was done following her grad season injury, but that wasn't the case.
El Sayed was granted another year of spring competition, and it is safe to say the Buffs are happy to have her back.
"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."
"When Aya decided to come back, not just the team but everyone in the athletic department was so excited because of who she is," said head coach Anthony Pham. "She's such a hard worker, and a great representative of our program and our university."
So far this season, four of her six victories have come from upsets over ranked opponents. Following her win over Oklahoma State's No. 53 Olivia Lincer earlier this season, she became the first Buff since 2010 to receive Big 12 Player of the Week.
"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." El Sayed said.
In doubles, El Sayed has found five victories with Rebec, and one with freshman Yukiko Ikedo.
"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."
In her time at Colorado, El Sayed has posted a 56-39 singles record and a 42-25 doubles record, earning her a spot in the record book.
"She's done such a great job at leading the team," said Pham, "She slipped right back in, and we are so grateful she came back to help us through our season this spring."
In singles play, the Buff is currently 30th in total singles wins (56) and tenth in No. 1 singles wins (16).
In doubles, El Sayed is tied at 37th for most doubles wins (42), eighth for most doubles wins at the No. 1 position (21), tied at 5th for most No. 1 doubles pair wins with Rebec (14), and 34th for most combined singles and doubles wins (98).
El Sayed will be back on the court with the rest of the Buffs this week, facing Texas Tech on Saturday. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
El Sayed became a Buff in 2022, transferring from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. In her first season with Colorado, she led the team with an overall singles record of 21-10, including 14-2 in dual matches, all in the No. 4 position, and a perfect 5-0 record in Pac-12 singles matches.
During the 2023-24 season, she led the team at the top position for singles play, posting a 9-8 singles record at No. 1. She also marked 100 career wins and was ranked consistently throughout the season in doubles with partner Pia Rebec, as well as once in singles at No. 117.
The Alexandria, Egypt, native had a tough start to her last year as a graduate student, suffering a season-ending injury early in the dual season. El Sayed thought her time at Colorado was done following her grad season injury, but that wasn't the case.
El Sayed was granted another year of spring competition, and it is safe to say the Buffs are happy to have her back.
"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."
"When Aya decided to come back, not just the team but everyone in the athletic department was so excited because of who she is," said head coach Anthony Pham. "She's such a hard worker, and a great representative of our program and our university."
So far this season, four of her six victories have come from upsets over ranked opponents. Following her win over Oklahoma State's No. 53 Olivia Lincer earlier this season, she became the first Buff since 2010 to receive Big 12 Player of the Week.
"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." El Sayed said.
In doubles, El Sayed has found five victories with Rebec, and one with freshman Yukiko Ikedo.
"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."
In her time at Colorado, El Sayed has posted a 56-39 singles record and a 42-25 doubles record, earning her a spot in the record book.
"She's done such a great job at leading the team," said Pham, "She slipped right back in, and we are so grateful she came back to help us through our season this spring."
In singles play, the Buff is currently 30th in total singles wins (56) and tenth in No. 1 singles wins (16).
In doubles, El Sayed is tied at 37th for most doubles wins (42), eighth for most doubles wins at the No. 1 position (21), tied at 5th for most No. 1 doubles pair wins with Rebec (14), and 34th for most combined singles and doubles wins (98).
El Sayed will be back on the court with the rest of the Buffs this week, facing Texas Tech on Saturday. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
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