The University of Virginia men’s tennis team won its seventh NCAA championship on May 19, rallying to defeat Texas in the final match held in Athens, Georgia. The Cavaliers overcame early setbacks throughout the tournament and finished their season with a record of 28-4.
This latest victory brings Virginia Athletics’ total number of NCAA titles to 37, tying men’s tennis with the university’s men’s lacrosse and men’s soccer programs for most championships among UVA teams. With most of its lineup expected to return next season, players and coaches are already looking ahead. “We are 100% going to go for it next year,” said sophomore Stiles Brockett during a celebration at Boar’s Head Resort’s Virginia Tennis Facility.
Head coach Andres Pedroso described this year’s run as particularly challenging compared to previous championship seasons. “And then this year these guys had to resurrect themselves and soul search and just go into really dark places to find ways to win in the middle of matches,” Pedroso said. Despite repeatedly losing early sets against opponents like Columbia, South Carolina, Wake Forest, and Texas, the Cavaliers managed multiple comebacks en route to their title.
The decisive moment came when junior Dylan Dietrich defeated Texas senior Sebastian Gorzny in No. 1 singles after trailing in the third set. “I try to focus just point after point, but it’s easier said than done,” Dietrich said about his mindset during the critical match. Pedroso added that he was “praying Hail Marys” throughout that final set before Dietrich clinched victory for Virginia.
The team faced adversity earlier in the season when key players Rafael Jódar and Roy Horovitz were unavailable for much of the campaign. Nevertheless, other members stepped up as needed. “Everyone stepped up [who] had to step up… we all did,” Dietrich said.
A celebratory event on campus drew fans who showed support for the team’s achievement—an occasion made more special by new tournament scheduling that allowed players and supporters alike to celebrate together upon returning home. Pedroso thanked fans: “All of you own a piece of this.”
Looking forward, both coaches and players say they intend not only to defend their title but also maintain a culture built around hard work and relationships rather than solely focusing on championships. As Brockett put it: “This one feels so sweet… To be able to do it in the fashion that we did… it’s amazing.”
