Knutson, Siviero Earn ITA Regional Awards

TEMPE, Ariz. – The ITA released its 2025 Division III Men’s Regional Award recipients Monday and Gustavus was honored twice. Marco Siviero was selected Central Region Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award, while Dominik Knutson was named Central Region Player to Watch. 

Siviero was also named the recipient of the prestigious Arthur Ashe Award for the MIAC recently. The award annually recognizes a senior men’s tennis student-athlete who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship and exemplary athletic, academic, and humanitarian accomplishments. Siviero started his senior campaign by earning All-America honors at the ITA Cup, advancing to the doubles semifinals with partner Josh Christensen. Siviero also finished runner up in the ITA Midwest Regional singles championship. Siviero owns a 15-12 overall record (4-0 MIAC) in singles and is 20-11 overall (5-0 MIAC) in doubles this season. Throughout his career, Siviero is 52-47 in singles and 72-22 in doubles.

“Marco contributes a beautiful blend of maturity, perspective, and intensity to bring out the best in himself and his entire team during competition,” said head coach Dr. Tommy Valentini after the MIAC awards. “He is a passionate young man who beautifully combines intensity with respect for the opponent and the game.”

A business management and communication studies double major with a 3.87 GPA at Gustavus, Siviero has been honored as a Singles All-American, Doubles All-American, and Academic All-American during his time as a Gustie.

“Coming from Brazil to a new culture and competitive atmosphere challenged me to adapt and to grow as an athlete, teammate, and individual,” Siviero said earlier this month. “Tennis allowed me to contribute to a cause bigger than my own goals. I learned what it means to compete for something greater than myself.”

Knutson was named the ITA Central Region Player to Watch after a successful sophomore campaign. Knutson boasted a 20-7 overall record in singles and went 4-0 in MIAC play. Knutson played primarily at No. 4 singles where he went 9-5. He also played at No. 2 (2-0) and No. 3 (5-1). 

In doubles action, Knutson went 17-9 overall and was 5-0 against conference opponents, earning All-Conference honors. Knutson played primarily with Siviero at No. 2, going 7-5. They also played at No. 1 with a 4-0 record. Knutson played 10 matches with Taona Mhwandagara and went 6-4.