HAMPTON, Va. (May 1, 2026) … Freshman Rafael Padilha has been named to the CAA All-Third Team Singles as announced by the league office Friday morning. 

Padilha put together a stellar first season for the Pirates, holding a 8-4 record overall in singles. He competed in the majority of his matches as the number one singles for the Pirates, holding a 6-3 record in that spot, as well as a 2-1 record at the second spot. 

He recorded a 2-2 record in conference play, with wins over Campbell 6-4, 6-4 and Richmond 4-6, 6-2, 10-5 to end the season. Throughout his first season at Hampton, he also collected wins over Coppin State, Norfolk State, James Madison, Chowan, Frostburg State, and Virginia Wesleyan.

Padilha was also awarded the team's MVP and Newcomer of the year at the annual Hampton awards banquet on April 18. 

This is the first time a Hampton men's tennis player has been named to a CAA All-Conference honors.