Tiger Tennis Teams Conclude 2025-26 Season of Growth
Despite a losing record for Wittenberg’s men’s and women’s tennis teams during the 2025-26 season, there is plenty reason for optimism, according to Head Coach John DeVito.
“Each player showed major development this season, and they are excited to get back to work next year,” said DeVito, a 2023 Wittenberg graduate and a former all-conference player for the Tigers. “The men's team had some great wins over Spring Break against Hastings College and Berea College. They also had some great performances and close matches against our NCAC opponents. The women's team was able to compete in a few scrimmages on Spring Break and competed hard against some very strong NCAC teams.”
Junior Christian Droz (Brunswick, OH / Brunswick) and sophomore Sam Garay (Oakwood, OH / Oakwood) posted a 2-9 overall record at No. 1 doubles, while junior Daniel Patel (Pittsburgh, PA / Shaler Area) and sophomore Benjamin Glassman (Woodbridge, CT / Amity Regional) went 4-8 at the No. 2 position. In both matches that the shorthanded Tigers won this year, the doubles point was key.
Droz went on to achieve 2026 third-team All-North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) honors in his first year since transferring to Wittenberg. He won two singles matches, one behind Garay for the team lead. Patel and Glassman both finished 2-10 in singles on the season.
On the women’s side, juniors Marin Summers (Columbus, OH / Hilliard Davison) and Celeste Hartings (Tipp City, OH / Tippecanoe) led the team at the top of the lineup. Summers earned third-team All-NCAC honors after stepping up to first singles and first doubles team for the first time in her collegiate career, while Hartings battled through injuries to compete at second singles and first doubles. Sophomore Elisabeth Josellis (Warsaw, IN / Warsaw Community) joined the team after the conclusion of swimming and diving season, freshman Myla Stanley (Fairborn, OH / Fairborn) joined the team at the start of the second semester, and sophomore Grace Tyler (Christiansburg, OH / St. Paris Graham) was limited by injuries to just three matches during the fall season.
“These core players will be able to contribute at a higher level for us next year, and we are excited to see what they can accomplish,” DeVito said. “Next year, we bring in some talented players who will help the program grow. I look forward to seeing what they are able to contribute and achieve during their careers at Wittenberg. The freshmen will have an immediate impact for both teams.”
Both teams will open the 2026-27 season in early September.
Written By: Cindy Holbrook & Ryan Maurer