Earlier this month, Kenya’s Angella Okutoyi quietly added another milestone to her tennis journey—this time at the 2025 World University Games in Germany. Competing among thousands of student-athletes from around the world.
She was part of a small Kenyan delegation and ended up delivering some of the most notable performances for the country. Partnering with fellow Kenyan Kael Shah in the mixed doubles event, the two made it all the way to the final.
They finished with a silver medal, after a solid campaign that included clean wins over Portugal and South Korea. It was Kenya’s first silver in tennis at this level—a respectable showing.
Okutoyi also helped the Kenyan women’s team clinch a bronze medal, making it a double podium finish for her in Essen. In singles, she advanced to the round of 16.
At Auburn University, Okutoyi has found a competitive home. She plays in one of the toughest tennis conferences in the country, and the experience has sharpened both her game and her mentality. During the 2024–2025 season, she posted strong results in both singles and doubles, often anchoring key matches for her team. Her performances earned her a national ranking and confirmed her place among the top collegiate players in the U.S.
Despite her rising profile, Okutoyi remains grounded in her identity as a Kenyan athlete. At the Games, she spoke plainly about the significance of competing in national colors, and the value of international exposure not just for herself, but for tennis back home. For her, events like the University Games are not just about personal wins—they are a chance to represent where she’s come from and where she’s headed.
Next on her schedule is the Billie Jean King Cup in Namibia, where she’ll once again compete for Kenya. That will mark yet another high-level event in what’s already shaping up to be a busy and productive season.
Back on the college front, she’s poised to close out her senior year at Auburn with further National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition and hopes of influencing the Tigers’ postseason legacy. Her performance continues to reflect elite-level consistency, anchored by those big wins over ranked opponents and strong Southeastern Conference (SEC) match-ups.