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Arizona Christian University

OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE OF ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
2025-2026 ITA NAIA Men's Tennis Awards

Men's Tennis Natalie Lopez

ACU Earns Three ITA NAIA Men’s Tennis National Awards

Glendale, Ariz.-- Last month, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) announced the 2026 ITA NAIA Men's National Award recipients. Among them, three Arizona Christian members earned awards for their excellence on and off the courts. ACU men's tennis assistant coach, Emily Harris, was awarded ITA Assistant Coach of the Year, Fenosoa Rasendra earned ITA Co-Most Improved Player and Hugo Abril was named ITA Senior Player of the Year. 

Harris, both Arizona Christian's men's and women's tennis assistant coach, was awarded the 2026 ITA NAIA Men's Assistant Coach of the Year. Harris assisted the men's tennis team, alongside head coach Phil Carlisle, to a stellar record of 14-6 and a GSAC Championship title. In the last two seasons, Harris has helped the team go 15-19, earning their highest team ranking since 2019. 

Rasendra, an Antananarivo, Madagascar native, was named the 2026 ITA NAIA Men's Co-Most Improved Player, alongside Holy Cross College's Oscar Wai. The junior showed significant improvement as he had a record of 25-3 in both singles and doubles this season, previously going 12-12 in 2024 and 11-11 last season. Playing alongside Lennert Lemahieu mostly in the No. 2 doubles spot, they topped the season with a record of 10-2. 

Abril, out of Barcelona, Spain, was awarded the 2026 ITA NAIA Men's Senior Player of the Year. Leading the Firestorm in the top spot in the lineup, Abril helped the team get their first title since 2019 after securing a record of 15-2. In doubles action, Abril's record was 7-2 when paired with Adrian Smith and 5-2 when playing alongside Sam Miyata. 

Head Coach Phil Carlisle stated, "Hugo and Fenny had two of the best individual seasons I've ever seen as a coach and I'm thrilled for them to be recognized by the ITA for what they accomplished. In 22 team matches this year, they lost a combined three times in singles. That's absolutely absurd and a lot of people around the country took notice of that. Anyone who knows Emily knows how many responsibilities she has at ACU, so for her to still be able to pour her heart and energy into coaching and give the team the best of herself is incredible. Our guys had a magical season this year and that wouldn't have happened without Emily so I'm extremely happy the ITA honored her with this award."


Congratulations to all the award recipients! Roll Storm!




 
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Players Mentioned

Hugo Abril

Hugo Abril

5' 7"
Senior
Lennert Lemahieu

Lennert Lemahieu

6' 4"
Senior
Fenosoa Rasendra

Fenosoa Rasendra

5' 10"
Junior
Adrian Smith

Adrian Smith

5' 9"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Hugo Abril

Hugo Abril

5' 7"
Senior
Lennert Lemahieu

Lennert Lemahieu

6' 4"
Senior
Fenosoa Rasendra

Fenosoa Rasendra

5' 10"
Junior
Adrian Smith

Adrian Smith

5' 9"
Junior