College of New Jersey Wins First WIAC Tennis Title

The College of New Jersey's men's tennis team turned a championship match upside down on May 2, storming back from two points down to capture their first Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in program history.

The Lions defeated UW-Whitewater 4-2 at the Warhawk Outdoor Tennis Complex in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The victory wasn't just about a trophy; it earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2019.

Things didn't start well for the visitors. UW-Whitewater grabbed the doubles point and top player Theo Billson extended the lead to 2-0 with a straight-sets win at the number one singles spot.

Then the Lions roared. Brett Schuster got the comeback rolling with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory at number six. Harrison-Maitland-Carter followed with an equally impressive 6-1, 6-2 win to tie the match at two points each.

Freshman Faris Shehata put the championship within reach by defeating Carter Michaels in straight sets at the number four position. Nathan Chan sealed the historic moment with a 6-2, 6-1 triumph at number three singles, clinching the title for The College of New Jersey.

Why This Inspires

This championship represents more than just a team winning their first conference title. It shows how resilience in the face of early adversity can lead to breakthrough moments. After falling behind 0-2, the Lions could have crumbled under pressure, but instead, they rallied together and won four consecutive matches to claim the crown.

The team finished their season with a 15-5 record, proving that consistent excellence throughout the year pays off when it matters most. For a program returning to the national stage after five years away, this victory marks a new chapter of success.

The Lions now head to the NCAA tournament ready to prove they belong among college tennis's elite programs.