Shields Receives Pac-12 Coach of the Year Award, Wildcats Dominate Pac-12 Annual Honors

Arizona Men’s Tennis has had a standout season, with eight players and their head coach receiving prestigious Pac-12 annual accolades. Clancy Shields, the head coach, was named Pac-12 Head Coach of the Year for the third time in his career after leading the team to their first Pac-12 Tournament Championship and third-straight Pac-12 Regular Season Championship. Under his guidance, the Wildcats achieved a program-best No. 5 national ranking.

Colton Smith and Jay Friend were named the Pac-12 Doubles Team of the Year, marking the first time a Wildcat duo has received this honor. They have had an impressive season with a 24-9 overall doubles record and 18-7 in dual matches. Smith, playing at the No. 1 singles position, has a 29-9 record and is ranked 22nd nationally. Friend, ranked 35th in the ITA rankings, has a 24-10 singles record.

Gustaf Strom, a senior, earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors for the third time in his career. He has a 23-10 singles record and a 22-12 doubles record this season. Nick Lagaev, a graduate student, received his first All-Pac-12 honors and is Arizona’s all-time leader in career singles wins with 93. Herman Hoeyeraal, with his third career accolade, tied the program record for single-season dual singles wins with 19.

Casper Christensen, a sophomore, has had an outstanding season with a 28-6 singles record and an impressive 15-2 record in dual match competition. The Wildcats are set to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championships, showcasing their talent and dominance in the Pac-12 conference.