WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW men's tennis begins its season on the road against non-conference opponents Florida Atlantic (0-2) and Florida (2-1) in Gainesville, Fla. this weekend. The Seahawks captured their fourth straight Coastal Athletic Association championship last year, defeating Elon 4-1, to reach the NCAA Regional.
UNCW posted a 17-6 overall record during the 2023-24 slate, including a perfect 5-0 record in conference play. The Seahawks finished the season ranked 60th in the nation. UNCW also went 9-1 at home last year and earned four wins against top 50 opponents.
The Seahawks welcome six newcomers to the roster, including four transfers, Sam Nicholson (Sr. - UNCA) Joseph Wayand (Jr. - North Carolina State), Lukas Steffen (Jr. - Campbell) and Alexander Thompson (Jr. - Marist). Incoming freshmen Augie Ballantine, Oscar Baumgartner, and William Dean are the remaining additions to the roster.
Mait DuBois begins his 18th season as head coach at UNCW where he has led the program to 10 CAA Championships. "Our guys are extremely excited to get our spring season started," said DuBois. "It was heartbreaking to get snowed out of the ITA Kickoff Weekend after qualifying. Our guys are really chomping at the bit to get started."
Saturday's opponent, Florida Atlantic, ended last season ranked inside the top 50, while Sunday's opponent, Florida, was just outside the top 25 after last season.
"I'm very pleased that we get to start the spring against two programs that we have a lot of respect for, and we're looking forward to some great tennis," DuBois said. "We have a lot of new faces this year, and I have really enjoyed watching the team come together and the culture that is being built here. We have high aspirations for this year, and this weekend will be a great start."
The Seahawks won 68% of their singles matches in 2023-24. Harold Huens, the 2024 CAA Player of the Year, recorded an 11-5 record from the top singles position last season. Huens was also a first-team doubles selection, winning a team-high 80% of his matches in 20 appearances.
Trey Mallory tied for a team-high in singles wins with 13, earning all of his wins from the fifth slot. Jordi Domenech also tallied 11 wins in singles competition a season ago.
Alex de Gabriele and Joseph Wayand are ranked 70th in the nation for doubles as of Dec. 3, 2024.
