After making the semifinals at last year’s SCAC tournament, the University of St. Thomas-Houston Men’s and Women’s tennis returns to the courts with high expectations for spring 2023. After competing in their fall 2022 tournaments, the Celts look to improve their results heading into this year's SCAC Play.

Key Matches and Home Court Advantage

In the fall, the Celts competed in the ITA Regional Tournament and showed out. On the men’s side, Tyler Head led the way making the championship match in his respective draw. In addition, freshman Diego Guzman was able to take the D Draw Consolation Title. As for the women, two Celts, Anamaria Gonzalez and Ella Mullins, made the championship match in their respective draws.

In the coming spring, tennis adds more home matches to their schedule, all to be played on the courts of Memorial Park Tennis Center in the heart of Houston. With the addition of the home field advantage, the Celts aim to generate the spark they need to add momentum into SCAC play. Then after a series of away matches, they will end their conference play with three matches at home to give momentum to their SCAC Tournament run.

Senior Leadership Drives Results

The Celts return SCAC Elite 19 recipient Alejandra Lopez in her senior year coming off of a season where she achieved six singles wins. Joining her in doubles is her fellow senior Anamaria Gonzalez who also achieved All-SCAC honors. In addition to these two, the Celts welcomed Freshman Ella Mullins who impressed at the ITA regional, reaching the B draw finals.

Men’s tennis returns a large senior class to go for the top spot. The team includes Tyler Head, who achieved second team all-SCAC honors for his outstanding play in singles. He also earned Tennis Player of the Week recognition when he defeated Southwestern’s line one in last year's conference match. Joining him is fellow senior Race Haas, who helped the Celts win their first SCAC tournament match in program history against Schreiner. Haas won the last match in the 5-4 thriller, and he was a doubles partner with Head throughout most of the season.

Head Coach Jack Brasington returns for his fourth season leading UST Tennis. After joining Celt athletics in 2019, Brasington is responsible for guiding St. Thomas to compete in NCAA Division III. Now with full membership, the Celts are eligible for national tournaments with an SCAC Tournament Victory.

“To officially compete at the national level as part of NCAA Division III is a big motivator for us on the tennis team,” Senior Tyler Head said. “We now have the ability to advance past conference play and make ourselves known on the national level. To have the chance to compete for a national title is what we are here for and what officially becoming DIII has allowed us to do. We definitely feel a collective drive to put in even more work and solidify a culture of excellence after finally being recognized.”

For the full tennis schedule, click here for men’s and here for women’s!