WINTER PARK, Fla. (May 7, 2025) - The men's tennis team put a bow on their 2025 spring season with their annual team dinner on Tuesday evening. During the event, head coach
Jay Friedman recognized a pair of student-athletes who were integral to the team's success this year.
The 2024-2025 Tar Award, presented to the student-athlete that best embodies what we want in an exemplary Tar, went to first-year
Pete Tran. Coming in underrated and started the season 4-4 at number four and playing at number one and two doubles, Pete made a splash. But his biggest impact was felt in his work ethic, illustrating to everyone what commitment and dedication to growth can be. Unfortunately, Pete ended up on the injured reserve, but without missing a beat, went to work studying the game and is ahead of schedule for his return next spring. "Pete came in here with a mindset to quiet the doubters out there, and I haven't been this impressed in a long while," remarked Friedman. "We are all anxious to see him back in between the baselines."
The 2024-2025 MVP went to
Richard Stoiberer. Richie was the only Tar tennis player to play in every doubles and singles match this season. He led the team with a 14-4 record in singles, and was ranked as high as #4 in the nation in doubles. "Obviously Rich is an all around great human being to have on any team, but moreso the convergence of a couple of years of growth and elevating his game really came together this season. He was one of the places we always felt like we had a point on the board this season."
Rollins was ranked as high as #7 in the country, and played one of the toughest schedules in Division II. Their biggest victory this season was beating #5 Columbus State at the ITA Indoor Championship. They also claimed a win against #10 Embry-Riddle. The season was a tough one with a total of eight matches that finished with a 4-3 final, while also matching up with a Top 25 team ten different times. Still, the Tars finished the season in the Top 25 with a record of 12-9, with their year ending on an unfortunate tough loss in the SSC tournament (yet another 4-3) that cost them a spot in the NCAA Regional.
Coach Friedman has high hopes for the Tars next year, and with the addition of the new Golf and Tennis facility on the campus of Rollins, is excited for the Winter Park locals, as well as stan and students, to come out and enjoy the season.
