Wallace State men’s tennis caps undefeated season with first national title since 1996

HANCEVILLE — Wallace State men's tennis completed a perfect season Friday by capturing the NJCAA Division II National Championship at Collin College in Plano, Texas, marking the program's first national championship since back to back titles in 1995 and 1996.

The Lions finished the season undefeated against junior college competition and claimed the national title with 45 points, finishing three points ahead of conference rival Coastal Alabama-South in the final standings.

Wallace State's championship run was highlighted by Angel Gautier winning the Flight 1 singles national championship and the doubles team of Tom Kopf and Matias Vargas capturing the Flight 3 doubles title.

Gautier rallied in the Flight 1 championship match to defeat top-seeded Juan Pereyra in three sets. After dropping the opening set 7-6, Gautier dominated the final two sets 6-1, 6-1 to secure the national title.

Kopf and Vargas completed an undefeated tournament run in Flight 3 doubles with a straight-set 6-4, 6-4 victory over Taylor Cook and Santiago Enriquez in the championship match.

Wallace State also posted runner-up finishes in several flights during the weeklong tournament. Francois Van Wyk advanced to the Flight 4 singles final, Luka Uzelac reached the Flight 5 singles championship match, and Tom Kopf advanced to the Flight 6 singles final. In doubles play, the Lions reached the finals in all three flights, with Angel Gautier and Alexander Grube Andersen finishing runner-up in Flight 1 doubles and Jean Badenhorst and Van Wyk placing second in Flight 2 doubles.

The Lions earned extensive postseason recognition following the championship season. Gautier was named First Team All-America in Flight 1 singles after winning the national championship, while Van Wyk, Uzelac and Kopf earned Second Team All-America honors in Flights 4, 5 and 6 singles, respectively.

In doubles, Kopf and Vargas earned First Team All-America honors in Flight 3 doubles after winning the national title. Gautier and Grube Andersen were named Second Team All-America in Flight 1 doubles, while Badenhorst and Van Wyk earned Second Team All-America honors in Flight 2 doubles.

Wallace State also collected multiple ITA Region IV awards. Assistant coach Ian Wisener was named ITA Assistant Coach of the Year. Gautier earned the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award and ITA Most Improved Sophomore honors, while Grube Andersen was named ITA Rookie of the Year.

Head coach Tim Garner credited the team's leadership and commitment throughout the season.

"Led by sophomores Angel Gautier, Jean Badenhorst, and Luka Uzelac, I'm so thankful to ask the players for all the extra hours spent on and off court to make this season such a success," Garner said. "Thank you to Ian Wisener (assistant coach). Ian spent countless hours outside of his contracted time to make this season a success."

Garner also praised the support system behind the program's championship season.

"Huge thank you to our President, Dr. Vicki Karolewics, and her administration for their tremendous support this season," Garner said. "This would not be possible without the support from Vice President of Students Kristen Holmes and, of course, Athletic Director Paul Bailey. Special thanks to Encore, athletic trainer Katy Chauvin and PT Stacy Wigley for keeping all of our athletes healthy and ready to compete. Thanks to Dakota Nichols for not only being a great advisor to our athletes, he is also a great supporter of Wallace State Athletics."

The Lions opened the national tournament with a perfect first two days, winning all nine matches on Day 1 and advancing all six singles entries and all three doubles teams into the semifinals by the end of Day 2. Wallace State entered the final day leading the team standings by five points.

Garner said the national title was the perfect ending to a season defined by consistency and team chemistry.

"Capping an undefeated JUCO season with a National Championship was a perfect ending," Garner said. "From our first match to our Conference Championship and finally ending with the 2026 National Championship, this team battled all season. This tournament run was won from a complete team effort over a whole week. Everyone put the team before themselves."

Garner also singled out Gautier's individual title run.

"I'm so thankful for and proud of Angel Gautier for winning an individual championship at No. 1 singles, proving he was the best player in the nation," Garner said.