ATLANTA--Georgia State senior Victor Valente's stellar fall continues after he received an invitation to the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships hosted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, N.Y., from Nov. 8-11.

Valente becomes the first Georgia State men's tennis player in school history to earn the prestigious invite. He joins junior Abigail Tere-Apisah on the GSU women's tennis team as the only two student-athletes in school history to qualify for the tournament.

Valente's senior season has gotten off to a strong start this fall. Most recently he reached the finals of the ITA Southeast Regional Championships in the singles draw. He defeated two nationally-ranked singles opponents along the way, winning a 6-1, 6-1 match vs. No. 84-ranked Michael Alford (Florida) in the first round and taking a 7-6 (3), 6-4 match against No. 30-ranked Juan Spir (Georgia Tech) in the semifinals. He also knocked off Georgia's Garrett Brasseaux (6-3, 6-2), Miami's Gabriel Flores (6-0, 6-3) and Georgia Tech's Juan Melian (6-3, 6-1) in the tournament.

Valente begins his tournament on Nov. 8 with matches running until Nov. 11. The Round of 32 singles matches will begin in the afternoon session on Nov. 8. The event is the only tournament that features the best players from all levels of collegiate tennis and stands as a capstone to the fall season.

"I am extremely proud of Victor for this remarkable achievement," first-year assistant coach Cesar Vargas said, "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication that he has put in on and off the court. It is also worth mentioning that this is a first in program history, and honestly it could not have happened to a better person."

Valente earned one of six at-large bids to the tournament. He became eligible for selection after reaching the finals at the ITA Southeast Regional Championships. The selection committee chose the at-large selections based on fall results.

"I want to thank the coaches and staff for all of their support," Valente said, "I also want to thank my teammate and friend Lucas Santa Ana. We have been through a lot in four years and I want to thank him for always being there for him."

Georgia State, led by first-year head coach Joerg Barthel, concludes its fall team schedule at the Winthrop Invitational in Rock Hill, S.C., on Nov. 2. The Panthers are then off until the Crimson Tide Indoor Invite from Jan. 11-13, 2013.

Visit the men's tennis page on GeorgiaStateSports.com to follow Valente's play at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships.