TYLER, TEXAS – UT Tyler men's tennis will begin the year ranked #9 in the preseason ITA Top 25 Coaches Poll as released on Wednesday.
 
The Patriots are one of three LSC schools associated with the poll, joining #17 Cameron and (RV) Midwestern State.
 
The 2024 season looks to be another big year for the Patriots as they look to qualify for the NCAA Round of 16 for the third consecutive season. In the 2023 season, the Patriots finished 20-3 overall and claimed the Lone Star Conference regular season championship for the second time in three years.
 
Returning ITA All-American Joaquin Bianchi, as well as Egor Shestakov and Yudai Watanabe will lead a mixed cast of critical returners and hopeful newcomers as they look to make a big stamp on the year in head coach Chris Bizot's second year in his second stint at UT Tyler.
 
Their season begins with a trio of exhibitions against Lamar, Collin College, and Weatherford College before taking on Delta State, Mississippi College, and Harding in a three match road trip on February 8, 9, and 10.