WC men’s tennis counting on experience in national title quest

Led by a host of returning talent, the Weatherford College men's tennis team is seeking its best finish to a season since the program was established in 2023.

Five players returned from the team that finished 14th at last year's national tournament, a year after placing 11th.

"The experience coming back this season has been a major factor in our success. Those players have stepped into leadership roles, taken ownership, and helped establish the culture Clint (Laukhuf, assistant coach) and I set out to build," head coach Steph Wooten said.

Returning from last season are sophomores Andres Serrano, Omar Hamzaoui, Austin Lewis, Guy Morian and Alejandro Rozo. Serrano reached the finals of Flight 5 singles at nationals last season and was named an All-American.

Freshmen include Benjamin Asker, Julian Blainey, Matteo Cardoso and Santiago Hidalgo.

The Coyotes take a No. 5 national ranking into the NJCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship May 11-15 at the Collin College Tennis Facility in Plano. They defeated No. 8 Collin 5-4 for the first time ever recently to win the Region V title.

It was the latest among several wins against nationally-ranked opponents this season for the Coyotes, including 5-4 over No. 6 Barton County (Kansas), 5-4 over No. 11 Coastal Alabama and 8-1 over No. 12 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. They also dropped a 5-4 match to No. 3 Eastern Florida State College.

Also on their schedule were victories over NCAA programs such as McMurry University (7-0), Hardin-Simmons University (7-0), and the University of Texas-Dallas (5-2).

Wooten said it's the ages-old adage that a tough schedule makes the team tough. 

"When you see the best early on in the season you are prepared for the end of season," Wooten said. "Nationals is a long tournament so we play a long tough season to prepare for that.

"The men's team has had a great year. They are excited to compete at nationals and are on a mission."

Wooten also noted she and the team are excited the national championships are much closer to home once again. They were in Plano in 2024 before moving to Florence, South Carolina last year. She's hoping the tournament's move back to Plano will entice more folks to make the short trip to watch what she believes will be some very exciting matches.

"The men's team is fiery, energetic, and loud," she said. "I enjoy watching them compete because you can see they really enjoy the battle."