Binghamton University Athletics

A native of Antalya, Turkey, Zeyney Altinay played tennis at Binghamton from 2003-07. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in environmental science in 2007 and went on to earn master's degrees in environmental studies and journalism from Indiana University in 2010. She is nearing completion of a Ph.D. in media and public affairs at LSU in 2015.

A two-time America East Player of the Year, three-time team MVP and four-time all-conference selection, Altinay led the Bearcats to a pair of runner-up finishes in her tenure.

As a freshman, she won 17 singles matches, highlighted by an 11-3 mark at the top spot.

The next year, Altinay roared to a 30-4 record, losing just once in 20 dual matches (19-1). She steered BU to the America East finals, posting convincing singles and doubles wins against Boston University in the title match. She was named to the all-championship team and was voted America East Player of the Year — the first BU player to earn the top conference honor at any level.

She served as team captain her junior year and despite playing with a stress fracture in her foot, Altinay still gutted out 39 combined singles and doubles wins. She went 21-8 in singles and led the Bearcats to a return trip to the America East championship match.

As a senior, Altinay tacked on 17 more singles wins and went 21-5 in doubles. She was chosen as the America East Player of the Year for the second time and was voted team MVP for the third and final time.

In her career, she amassed 156 victories (86 singles) and at graduation, held records for wins in a season (30) and career and also for career doubles wins (70). She still holds the record for most dual match wins at No. 1 singles with 46.

Altinay was selected as the University's "Athlete of the Year" in 2004-05 and received the John Bilos Alumni Award in 2007.