Photo by Al Levine Fort Dodge native Victoria Flores was recently named an All-American doubles player by the ITA.

ATLANTA — Victoria Flores took her most recent collegiate honor in stride.

The Fort Dodge native hopes the best is yet to come in her career as a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.

Flores was recently named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American in doubles competition alongside senior teammate Kenya Jones. Flores, a junior, went 20-3 in doubles during the spring season with Jones, and the duo achieved a Top-6 national ranking for their efforts according to the ITA.

“(The honor) means so much to me,” said Flores, the daughter of Fort Dodge’s Manny and Mary Ann Flores. “I wouldn’t say I was surprised (by the news), but I knew that if I kept focused on my goals and working hard like I have been since last summer, it was definitely something I could achieve.”

The 21-year-old Flores also posted a 20-7 singles mark to rank 41st nationally. Georgia Tech went 15-6 overall and 5-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, qualifying for the ITA National Team Indoor Championships.

“I obviously had a chance (of reaching All-American status) in singles, too,” said Flores, who attended both Feelhaver Elementary and Fair Oaks Middle School. “That was my highest ranking so far in college, but hopefully, I will have more chances to (obtain that goal) next year. My plans, like most people, have dramatically changed (because of the COVID-19 global pandemic).”

Flores was originally going to stay in Atlanta this summer to take classes and train. Now, she’s headed back to Fort Dodge.

“I’ll be coming back to Iowa next week,” said Flores, who just finished up finals for her spring semester and will start summer online work this Monday. “I can practice with my dad back home and enjoy a peaceful break with my parents. If things open back up down in Kansas City, I can train there as well. That’s where I spent (the majority of) last summer.

“There are obviously no tournaments or anything like that planned anytime soon; all tours and circuits are banned until July. So for now, I’m just going to enjoy some time off and then start to train again.”

Flores is majoring in business administration, with a concentration in strategy and innovation. Her minor is science, technology and society.

Flores is a former junior main-draw qualifier for both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Before arriving at Georgia Tech, she had obtained a Top-50 ITF junior world ranking.

Flores and Jones went 15-1 overall in dual doubles matches and 6-0 in the ACC, all from the No. 1 position in the lineup. The tandem reeled off eight consecutive wins to end the year, and went a perfect 7-0 against nationally-rated opponents.

Only 10 doubles teams were recognized nationally.

“I’m so proud of both Kenya and Victoria on achieving ITA All-American status,” Yellow Jacket head coach Rodney Harmon said. “They both played so well this past season, and are very deserving of this recognition.”

Jones, now a four-time All-American who tied Flores with a team-best 20 match victories, earned ITA singles honors as well.