College Sports
Men's Soccer Announces 2025 Recruiting Class
The Lindenwood Men’s Soccer program announced their 2025 recruiting class today which features 19 newcomers. The 2025 class is the highest nationally ranked recruiting class to date for the program as the Lions came in at number 33 in the National recruiting classes based by Top Drawer Soccer.
2025 Recruiting Class
Sebastia Cerda-Tous – Catawba College / Mallorca, Spain
Bruno Flores – Mars Hill University / Sao Paulo, Brazil
Kalmar City BK
• District Champion in 2021 & 2022
• Started all matches in P17 Allsvenskan, the top-tier league in Sweden 2022-2023
• LF CUP Champion 2023 – Sweden’s largest full size indoor cup
• Team of the tournament LF CUP 2023
• Started all matches in Swedish Division 3 Senior League as the youngest player in the division.
• Rookie of the Year Kalmar City BK 2024
• 2 games, El Salvador U20 2024
• Senior elite futsal player, Swedish Futsal League, Kalmar United 2024-2025
Bertsch on Abrego:
“Isaac is a student-athlete that we really liked on and off the field. He comes from a very supportive family who values the holistic approach to learning. We really enjoyed getting to know Isaac and his family in the recruiting process. Isaac as a player is a talented, well-rounded player. He is calm in possession, reads the game well, and plays on both sides of the ball. We think Isaac is going to grow quickly in our environment.”
Abrego on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood because it offers the perfect balance of athletic development, academic excellence, and a supportive community. The soccer program stood out to me because of the trust I have in the coaching staff and their commitment to helping players grow both on and off the field. The future of the program is incredibly promising, and I believe it its potential to compete at the highest level. As someone aspiring to play professionally, I am confident that Lindenwood’s private education combined with its focus on athletic excellence will prepare me for the next level. I am excited to be part of a program that believes in my future and shares my passion for the game. I am thrilled to join the Lindenwood family and contribute to the team’s success and be part of a culture that values hard work, relationships, and achieving greatness together.”
Other Schools Considered:
Florida Southern College, Stetson University
Maryville University / St Louis Scott Gallagher
• Competed in 44 collegiate Games in 2 collegiate seasons
• Competed in the NCAA Division II Elite 8
• All-Region First Team
• All-MCC First Team
• All-Metro First Team
Bertsch on Bartoni:
“Luca is a player we’ve followed while playing locally. He’s played in some important games and always competes to his best. He’s a tremendous teammate, cares about the success of the team, and wants to win. We love recruiting winners and guys who want to compete selflessly for the best of the team. Luca is a player who shows up every day and gives his best to the team. We’re excited for him to help the program day in and day out.”
Bartoni on why he chose Lindenwood:
Other Schools Considered:
Sebastia Cerda-Tous – Mallorca, Spain, Winger
Catawba College
• Started in 45 of 48 games played at Catawba
• 15 Goals and 3 Assists in 3 Seasons
• Twice named All-Conference Team
• All-Region Team
• Played in Division de Honor (U-19) for two seasons (RCD Mallorca and CD San Francisco)
• Scored 7 goals in Division de Honor
• Played in 3a RFEF with UD Poblense with 3 goals and 5 assists
• Spanish Champions- Liga Nacional Juvenil U-17, 9 goals and 5 assists
• Played 5 seasons with RCD Mallorca
Bertsch on Cerda-Tous:
“Sebas is an explosive winger with the technical ability to score goals and create goals for others. He can quickly seize on an attacking opportunity and strike in a moment’s notice. He’s got a wealth of college experience and is a player who performs best in big games and big moments. We believe Sebas will continue to do the same at Lindenwood and we can’t wait to work with him.”
Cerda-Tous on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I committed to attend Lindenwood University because of its strong soccer program, excellent athletic facilities, and the opportunity to pursue my Master’s degree at an excellent university. I already know how the coaches work and the culture they have and I am confident that I will have a great experience on the field, improving as an athlete and as a person.”
Other Schools Considered:
Coastal Carolina, Hofstra University, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Oregon State University
Christian Brothers University / University of Rio Grande
• Played in 32 Games with 25 Starts at Christian Brothers
• Played over 2,300 minutes in 2 seasons at Christian Brothers
• Scored 1 Goal with 5 Assists
• Led Christian Brothers in Assists from Left Back position
• Named All- South Region 2nd Team
• Named All-Gulf South Conference 2nd Team
• Named GSC Player of the Week
• Helped CBU backline allow the fewest goals against in the GSC and 16th best in the nation
• Lonestar Division Champions in USL 2
• Lonestar Division Regional Finalist in USL 2
• Played in 19 games with 9 starts at the University of Rio Grande
• River States Conference Tournament Champions
• River States Conference Regular Season Champions
• NAIA National Championship Final 4 with Rio Grande
• Hampshire Cup Winner, Barton Peverill 6th Form College
• Barton Peveril Players Player of the Year Winner
Bertsch on Chandler:
“We are pleased to add George to our program. He has valuable college soccer experience and brings a lot to the field on both sides of the ball. He sees the entire pitch in possession and is capable of jump starting an attack with one pass. George also isn’t afraid to compete physically and do the little things that help teams win games. He’s a well-rounded player who we believe will help right away.”
Chandler on why he chose Lindenwood:
“During my first conversations with the coaching staff, I instantly felt a great connection towards Lindenwood. The soccer program is one that continues to rise and has aspirations to compete for championships. I am extremely excited and thankful that Lindenwood provides me the opportunity to pursue a Masters in Business Administration at one of the best business schools in the nation. Coming to a city that is passionate about the sport of soccer and has numerous job opportunities after was a no brainer for me.”
Other Schools Considered:
Lipscomb University, Sacred Heart University, University of Memphis, University of Southern Indiana
Catawba College
• 10 Starts in 16 Games as a Freshman at Catawba averaging 60+ mins per match
• U15, U17, U19 Regular Season Matches in Greece’s Top League
• Played in 17 matches in the U19 Greek Superleague 1 totaling 1,113 minutes of play
• Participated in pre-season training with the First Team in Isreal
• Played in 17 matches in the U17 Greek League including a Semifinal Cup match vs. Olympiacos
• Competed in the Greed Cup Semifinals and Finals. Runner Up’s vs. PAOK
• Competed with the Greek Youth National Team in various international tournaments and camps
• Participated in the UEFA U17 European Championship Qualifiers
Bertsch on Chatzopoulos:
“Grig is a very competitive, honest defender. He’s dialed into competing, defending, and helping his team win. He is calm in the build and ready to defend when the ball turns over. He has National Team experience in addition to college soccer experience. He values what it takes on and off the field which makes him a great fit in our program and what we value.”
Chatzopoulos on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood University because I believe in the vision of the coaches and the way they develop their players both on and off the field. The quality of the team is strong, and I see a group of players who are committed, competitive, and hungry to succeed. I want to be part of that environment and grow alongside athletes who push each other to be better every day. I also see a bright future for this program the potential for success is high, and I believe we can achieve great things together. Being part of something that’s building toward long-term success is something I’m excited to contribute to.”
Other Schools Considered:
Fordham University, University of Charleston, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University of North Carolina / New York City FC
• Trained with New York City FC’s first team during the 2021 season
• Invited to New York City FC’s preseason
• UNC Athletics 2024/25 Bubba Cunningham Athletic Director’s Scholar-Athlete Academic Award Recipient
• 2022 ACC Top Six for Service Recipient
• Played for New York City FC from 2019-2021
Bertsch on Closson:
“Quinn is exactly the type of well-rounded person we prefer to add to our program. He not only deeply cares about his academics but he values being a great teammate, competing on the field, and giving back to his community. He’s a leader in many areas and earns the respect of those around him. We believe he is going to compete for time right away and help our program continue to grow on and off the field.”
Closson on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood because of the trust I have in Coach Bertsch and the coaching staff. They will not only help me develop as a soccer player, but as an overall human being. Their holistic approach to the game of soccer is something I could not pass up on, and I’m absolutely confident I will come out of Lindenwood as a better soccer player, leader, and man.”
Other Schools Considered:
Coastal Carolina University, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Malone University
• 17 goals and 5 assists at Malone University
• NCCAA Scholar Athlete 2024
• 2023 2nd in GMAC for goals
• 2024 Cleveland Force USL 2 top Goal Scorer
• Captain of Malone and Cleveland Force USL 2
• Helped Cleveland Force reach USL 2 playoffs 2023 and 2024 seasons
• High School All-American
• First Team All-Ohio
• Greater Akron Division 1 All-District Player of the Year
Bertsch on Csiszar:
“Gavin is an exciting player who values the details of the game. He sees the game on a different level than most players yet plays within himself. He plays between the lines well, attacks back lines, and creates in the final third. He leads by example and executes in key moments. Gavin is mature and responsible, and we believe that will help him translate quickly to our environment.”
Csiszar on why he chose Lindenwood:
“The coaching and professional environment of Lindenwood Men’s Soccer are incredibly valuable. The coaching staff is highly knowledgeable and has countless connections that can be pursued after my time here. I’m excited to receive top tier coaching and complete my MBA at such a prestigious institution. I believe Coach Bertsch and the staff will help me continue working toward my dream of playing professionally.”
Other Schools Considered:
Indiana Wesleyan, Saginaw Valley, Wright State University
St. Louis Scott Gallagher
• ECNL All Conference Team
• Metro League 1st Team All-Conference
• Missouri All Region Team
• ECNL Heartland Conference Champions
• Metro League Conference Champions
Bertsch on Davis:
“We are happy for Aidan to continue his soccer career in his hometown of St. Louis. Aidan has terrific upside and versatility who we feel will continue to get better year after year. He is strong on the ball, in his distribution, and has an athletic profile to meet the demands of the game physically. Aidan is humble and open to improvement which we believe will greatly help him in his development at Lindenwood!”
Davis on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood University because it feels like the right place to take the next big step in my journey. The coaches made me feel welcome, and I could tell right away that this was a program built on hard work, connection, and high standards. Lindenwood offers the academic support and athletic resources I need to stay sharp in the classroom and keep developing on the field. I truly believe the environment here will push me to grow in all the right ways and help elevate my game and mindset to the next level. I’m hopeful that with the support and opportunities Lindenwood provides, I’ll be able to find real success both on and off the field.”
Other Schools Considered:
Depauw University, Eastern Illinois University, Missouri S&T, SIUe, University of Memphis
Birmingham City FC
• Played for Birmingham City FC for 5 seasons and captained the club at every age group
• Won U18 League
• Won PDL National Championship
• Second most minutes played during National Championship season
• Trained with Birmingham’s first team regularly
Bertsch on Dodd:
“We are always looking for players who value giving their best every time they step on the pitch. Taylor is a constant professional and a player who his teammates and coaches look to lead on the pitch and in the locker room. He’s an honest, hard-working, versatile defender who has competed at a high level which we feel will translate well to the collegiate game. Taylor has played in numerous important games which will be a valuable asset to our program.”
Dodd on why he chose Lindenwood:
“After deciding that playing NCAA Division I soccer was the next step in my football journey, Lindenwood ticked all my boxes in what I was looking for in a program. With its amazing facilities, quality academics, a coaching staff who go above and beyond, and a team that shares the same hunger for success as myself made it feel like a perfect fit for me. Although I received other program opportunities, I believe that Lindenwood is the University to help me flourish not only as a player but academically. I can’t wait to join the Lindenwood family.”
Other Schools Considered:
Mercer University, Old Dominion University, Saginaw Valley State University, Stony Brook University, University of Charleston
Lincoln Memorial University
• Played for Rot-Weib Oberhausen and Rot-Weib Essen
• Started 25 of 28 Games at Lincoln Memorial University
• Second Team All-Conference 2023 and 2024
• First Team All-Region 2022
• Team Captain in 2024-2025 at Lincoln Memorial University
• Team Captain in 2022 at Rose State
Bertsch on Dos Santos Haesler:
“We are very much looking forward to Leandro joining our family. He is a leader on and off the field and we value his many intangibles that he brings to the program. He’s a composed, competitive player that has a solid understanding of what game asks of him in the moment. He reads the game well and often tactically solves problems before they happen. He competes well defensively and is calm and collective on the ball offensively. We think Leandro is going to be ready to compete right away and add a lot of experience to our backline.”
Dos Santos Haesler on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood University because of its outstanding soccer program and the opportunity to compete at a high level. The program has a strong reputation for developing and preparing players for the professional stage, and I am eager to grow both as an athlete and as a person under the coaching staff guidance. My goal is to contribute to the team’s success and play my role in winning a conference championship. Additionally, Lindenwood’s business school is a highly respected program. The combination of elite athletics and academic excellence makes Lindenwood the perfect place for me to thrive.”
Other Schools Considered:
Mercyhurst University, Tiffin University
Mars Hill University
• 14 starts in 16 games at Mars Hill
• 2 Assists from Right Back
• South Atlantic Conference Team
• Played in 22 games at Cowley College
• Played for Ituano FC Academy in Brazil
• Played for América Mineiro in the Brazilian Division 1
• Played two years at Cruzeiro EC in the Brazilian Division 1
• Trained with Fluminense FC in the Brazilian Division 1
Bertsch on Fornes:
“When you talk about competitors, you talk about Bruno. He is wired to compete and give his best to his teammates and program. We love his passion for the game and his desire to be challenged and pushed to improve. He’s motivated by his goals and will set his mind to achieving them. We think Bruno is going to step in and add to our lineup right away.”
Fornes on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood because I believe in the program’s vision and values. The coaching staff earned my full trust with their professionalism and ambition and I feel like this is the perfect environment to keep improving as a player and achieving my goals, both individually and with the team. I also heard great things about the players and the team culture from an athlete I knew who had played at Lindenwood before, which made me even more excited to join the program.”
Other Schools Considered:
Portland University, University of Dayton, University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin
Campbellsville University
• Started 21 out of the 23 games during Freshman season
• 17 goals and 1 assist as a Freshman
• NCCAA All-Regional XI
• NCCAA First Team All-American
• Numerous youth player of the year awards
• Scored 24 goals in 35 games in South Africa 2022-2023
• U18 Engen Knockout Champions
• U18 Coke Cup Champions
Bertsch on Hendricks:
“Jarred is an exciting attacking player from Cape Town, South Africa. He’s got a wonderful intuition of where and when to be in the 18 yard box to score goals. Jarred prays on opportunities and has the skillset to finish in many different ways. He has great box awareness and the composure to finish off chances. With quality service and players around him, we believe he’ll continue to find success in front of the goal.”
Hendricks on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood University because it offers everything I need to grow on and off the field. The soccer program has a strong culture of winning and development, but just as importantly, it invests in its players as people. From the first conversation, I felt the trust, support, and family atmosphere from the coaching staff and some players. I believe in the future of this program, the vision of the coaches, and their ability to help me reach my goal of becoming a professional. The amazing campus, top-tier facilities, the energy of St. Charles and nearby St. Louis, and the value of a private education all confirmed that this is the perfect environment for my growth. I am proud to be part of a place that believes in me as much as I believe in it!”
Other Schools Considered:
Florida International University, Longwood University, University of Massachusetts
West Texas A&M University / Georgia Southwestern State University
• Played in 33 games with 32 starts at West Texas A&M
• Scored 15 goals with 9 assists at West Texas A&M
• United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-Region in 2024
• CSC Academic All-District in 2024
• Second Team All-Lone Star Conference in 2024
• LSC All-Academic in 2024
• First Team D2CCA All-South Central Region in 2023
• First Team All-Lone Star Conference in 2023
• LSC Offensive Player of the Week
Bertsch on Landais:
“Matteo is a very technical and talented player with a lot of collegiate experience. He’s played a ton of minutes everywhere he’s been due to his comfort on the ball in tight spaces and ability to open the game up off the dribble or with his distribution. He’s the type of player that makes big plays in critical moments and is able to put up numbers offensively. Matteo will give our program valuable experience and technical quality when he’s in the game.”
Landais on why he chose Lindenwood:
“Lindenwood is a perfect environment to develop soccer players which is what I am looking for in choosing a program and university. It has a really good soccer program and a great academic program. I already know that the coaching staff and my teammates will push me to reach our goals set for the upcoming season. I am excited to evolve and grow as a person along the way.”
Other Schools Considered:
Midwestern State, Rider University, St. Mary’s University
Eastern Oklahoma State College / Otero College
• Played in 22 games at Eastern Oklahoma State and Otero College
• Finalist for Freshman of the Year
• Started every game at Otero College
• Played for Standard de Liege, the best club in Belgium and Europe at the time
• Played 2 seasons at RFC Seraiing and captained and started every match
• Competed in the U23’s in the Division of Belgium
• Competed in the U21 Belgium Elite Cup
Bertsch on Legai:
“Maxime is a very talented attack minded player who can play a multitude of positions on the field. He’s comfortable taking on various roles and has a high-level understanding of the game. Maxime is strong on the ball and capable of scoring goals or setting up goals for others. He’s a creative player that brings a lot to the game and sets others up for success. We are looking forward to seeing Maxime grow quickly within our program.”
Legai on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood University because I strongly believe we are set up for the coming years to compete for the conference tournament and beyond. I have trust in the coaching staff since the first calls I had with Coach Bertsch and Coach Nat and I am sure that I will be in a perfect environment to grow as a soccer player and as a person.”
Other Schools Considered:
Oral Roberts University, University of Omaha
Georgia Southern University / Rogers State University
• Started in 9 of 13 games played at Georgia Southern University
• Started in 28 of 32 matches played at Rogers State University totaling 2,269 minutes
• All-GAC Honorable Mention
• Named GAC Defender of the Week
Bertsch on Lennon:
“Mikey has an easy-going personality and really easy to be around. He loves to compete and puts in the work on and off the field. He’s gained valuable experience at the Division I level and continues to improve each year he’s played collegiate soccer. When we began dialogue with Mikey, we felt comfortable that he shared the same values and cared greatly about his teammates, competing on the pitch, and in the classroom. We look forward to continuing to help Mikey reach new heights in his career at Lindenwood.”
Lennon on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose to go to Lindenwood due to the strong culture within the program and desire to compete on the field. I hope I can help the program compete to capture the OVC championship and compete in the NCAA Tournament. I am looking forward to the fall season and getting started at Lindenwood.”
Other Schools Considered:
Cal State Dominguez Hills, Flagler College, University at Albany, University of Indianapolis, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Eclipse Soccer Club
• United Soccer Coaches All-American in 2024
• United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region selection in 2024
• Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State selection (2023 & 2024)
• 54 career goals & 35 career assists in High School Career
• Two-time Naperville Sun Boys Soccer Player of the Year (2023 & 2024)
• Two-time Daily Herald DuPage County All-Area Team Captain
• ECNL All-Conference First Team 2023
• Selected for the ECNL Conference Cup in 2023
Bertsch on Radeke:
“Noah is another player we recruited to our roster from our ID Camps. It was working with him directly that we knew Noah was a player and person that fit what we look for in a student-athlete. He’s humble, coachable, and wants to improve his game on the field all the while exceling in the classroom. Noah showed our staff that he has the tools to be dangerous in numerous ways in the final third. We are looking forward to working with Noah to help take his game to another level.”
Radeke on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood because I feel supported by Coach Bertsch and Coach Nat and believe in the program’s successful direction. I feel that it’s the best environment for me to continue developing as a player and person. I’m excited about the team culture, the competitive level, and the opportunity to be a part of it.”
Other Schools Considered:
San Diego State University, University of Wisconsin
Catawba College / Oklahoma Panhandle State
• Started 22 of 27 games at Catawba College, anchoring the midfield each game in 2 years
• Played for NAIA Oklahoma Panhandle State and starting every match through conference season
totaling 859 minutes from a maximum 900 minutes
• Named Captain during the Conference season, first time as a Freshman
• Dorking Wanderes FC, Semi Professional Men’s First Team
• Competed in the National League South
• Youngest Squad Player at 17 and Captain at the U18 level for FA Youth Cup matches
Bertsch on Sapsford:
“We are very happy to add Noah to our roster. Having previously been coached by Coach Nat, we know what Noah brings to the field and that is grit, mentality, and a willingness to compete every day. He’s a gritty player that is willing to do what it takes to help his team win and brings his best effort every day. We are looking forward to adding Noah’s experience to our midfield and for him to get settled into our program.”
Sapsford on why he chose Lindenwood:
“Lindenwood University offers levels and opportunities above and beyond in regards to every aspect of what makes a college soccer program attractive. In addition to the facilities available and direction the program is heading, I was extremely engaged when learning about the teams’ overall goals and attitude to meeting expectations, along with the level of professionalism demonstrated in every area, which I believe are all huge factors that ultimately contribute to success in a great sports team. On top of the athletics, the campus location and high quality of private education on offer made Lindenwood the perfect choice. This is an opportunity I could not turn down! I am extremely grateful to finish my degree in St. Charles, and very excited to challenge myself during my final season of college soccer within a Division I program.”
Other Schools Considered:
University of North Georgia
FK Vojvodina 1928 Perlez
• Competed in the Bosnian 2nd tier for Zeljeznicar Banja Luka
• Played in top Serbian U15-U19 youth leagues
• Successful trial with U19 DAC 1904 in the Slovakian 1st tier
• Successful trial with “B” team FK Mlada Boleslav in the Czech 1st tier
• Offered a contract with FC Edmonton, a former Canadian Premier League club
• Invited to Vancouver Whitecaps MLS, combine
• Member of all eligible Alberta provincial team selections
• Competed in the Dallas Cup with BTB Soccer Academy
Bertsch on Slankamenac:
“Luka is a player we really enjoyed getting to know in the recruiting process. He is full of energy, passionate about the game, and wants to help his team be successful. Luka loves to compete at training and always looks to improve his game. He’s not afraid to ask questions, stay after training, and takes feedback and applies it to better himself. He’s a constant learner which is why we feel he is going to continually improve at Lindenwood.”
Slankamenac on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I am beyond excited to join the Lindenwood family and to get straight to work. This program has an exceptional coaching staff dedicated to giving their all to the players, which promotes growth both on and off the field. That is the right environment for any aspiring athlete to succeed in, partnered with the outstanding campus and facilities provided. The program’s dedication to developing athletes into well-rounded individuals aligns perfectly with my goals as a player striving to reach the highest levels I can and as a person committed to lifelong growth. Beyond soccer, Lindenwood’s private education offers opportunities for me to challenge myself academically and prepare for a future beyond the game. I cannot wait to begin this next chapter surrounded by people who believe in me and a program that reflects my aspirations.”
Other Schools Considered:
American University, Hofstra University, Lipscomb University
Gannon University
• Led Gannon in Goals Scored as a Freshman
• 21 Games: 12 Goals, 3 Assists
• Second on the team in Points
• Named First Team All-Atlantic Region
• Gannon University Division II Freshman of the Year
• All-PSAC West First Team
• Atlantic Region First Team
• All-Region First Team
• Competed for E.C. Juventude in Brazil for 8 seasons
• 2x State Championships and 3x Conference League Championships in Brazil
• 2x State MVP
• 2x Golden Goal Scorer (Top Goal Scorer)
Bertsch on Soares:
“Alander is an exceptional attacking player who made an immediate impact in his first collegiate season. His versatility and extremely technical ability allow him to score and set up others in a multitude of ways which is why he led his previous program in scoring as a freshman. Alander is going to add a different profile to our attack with his pace and creativity on the ball. Once he gets adjusted, we believe he is going to excel quickly. We believe he is going to have a fun start to his career.”
Soares on why he chose Lindenwood:
“I chose Lindenwood, because of its strong soccer program, dedicated coaching staff, and competitive environment. The coaches believe in my potential and will help me develop my skills to compete at the highest level. My dream is to become a professional soccer player and win championships, and I know Lindenwood is the right place to push me toward that goal.”
Other Schools Considered:
California State Bakersfield, Fordham University, George Mason University, Houston Christian University, Saint Louis University, Santa Clara University, UMass Lowell, University of South Florida
Rome High School has been known for academic progress for many years, so much so that when it came to have a college fair on campus recently, more than 50 colleges and universities showed up to recruit, including some schools that were more than 2,500 miles away.
The College fair was hosted in Rome High’s main gym and was full of tables from each college at the event. The colleges set up posters, brochures, and flags to display their mascots and information about their college.
Juniors and seniors came at different times. The seniors showed up first, followed by the juniors. Both groups stayed about 45 minutes. During their time, students walked around the gym, observing the tables set up, talking to the college representatives, and taking pamphlets the colleges offered.
Senior Jayden Perez said he hopes to major in nursing at Emory University, but is also looking at several other state schools, and enjoyed the college fair experience.
“This has given me an opportunity to get excited about college,” he said. “It also is a great opportunity to speak with real college professionals one-on-one.”
Andrew Hunsinger from the University of Vermont said he hopes to broaden the students’ horizons to schools in the Northeast and let them know about their possibilities outside of Rome.
“The main thing I want to bring to a place like Rome High School is to let students know that the Northeast is an option for them,” Hunsinger said. “Especially in Atlanta, a lot of people from the northeast are moving to the south, and we are trying to let students in places like Rome know about the opportunities that are available at universities like Vermont.”
While the students marveled at the number of schools in attendance, what they didn’t see was all the preparation behind the scenes to make the fair happen.
“I have been planning the college fair since June. I wrote a lot of emails and made phone contacts with a lot of these colleges,” Rome High School Counselor Melissa Holland said. “I am also able to reach out via SCOIR (the SCOIR College Network), and there is a way to invite colleges through the site, and I got a lot of interest that way.”
Junior Genesis Uzcategui said something she finds appealing about a college is if they are far from home, so she can go out and see the world for herself while studying ultrasound-radiology, her major.
¨I’ve looked at Warren Wilson, Toccoa Falls, Eckerd, and Florida Southern,” Uzcategui said.
Lilly Blanchard said she is a big Oregon football fan, so that college coming to Rome caught her attention. Some of the colleges that visited Rome really surprised these students.
“I’ve been on a tour at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and I’m applying early to Duke for neuroscience,” she said. She discussed wanting a college with a diverse, inclusive community. She is looking for a college with good education, good sports, and a good vibe.
The fair was a perfect place for many students to get an opportunity to learn about a lot of different schools.
“I don’t know exactly what college I want to go to, but I am interested in UGA or Emory,” Janna Nyguen, a junior, said. “I want to major in Premed. I want to go into the healthcare field.”
While the college fair afforded lots of options for students, Holland said it also aligns with Rome High School’s mission statement. For many students, this was a first-time experience to the exposure of different colleges and the idea of possible majors they can choose.
“The college fair is an extension of our mission statement, which is to make sure students graduate from Rome High School prepared for college or work,” she said. “I want the students to have an open mind and to be able to find out the opportunities that are out there and available to them. Some students may have in mind that they want to go to work, but through this they may see they want to go to college. An event like this offers them the chance to open their minds to other opportunities.”
Written by: Brighton Turner and Selah Marshall
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Greg Wyshynski
ARLINGTON, Va. — Attending the NHLPA rookie showcase puts into sharp relief how truly young these prospects are, especially within the context of hockey history.
Like when you hear Montreal Canadiens prospect David Reinbacher talk about modeling his game after Brock Faber, the Minnesota Wild defenseman who was runner-up for NHL rookie of the year in 2024. Or when Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in this year’s draft by the New York Islanders, talks about his coach Patrick Roy’s playing career like … well, like someone born four years (September 2007) after the Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender played his last game, in April 2003.
“Yeah, I mean, I heard he loves to win,” Schaefer said of Roy, who won four Stanley Cups, three playoff MVP awards and 551 games, which is third all time. “I heard he was really good back in the day. Everyone loves talking about him.”
Indeed.
Schaefer recalled going to the offices of Upper Deck, the collectible company that co-hosted the rookie showcase this week, and seeing glimpses of his new coach’s former life as a generational goaltender.
“There was just stuff of him all over. Seeing all the things. Seeing his goalie pads. That’s what really stuck out to me,” he said.
Roy is entering his third season coaching the Islanders and sixth season overall as an NHL coach. Schaefer said he has enjoyed their conversations in the offseason but is ready to see the training camp side of his new coach. “I think he’ll be on the ice doing a lot of drills and pushing us. So, I can’t wait to get pushed,” he said.
Schaefer was selected by the Islanders first overall after 73 games with the OHL Erie Otters over the past two seasons, where he proved to be an elite puck rusher and passer. He signed his NHL entry-level deal in August.
The Islanders haven’t been shy about marketing around Schaefer, including a ticket sales deal that incorporated his No. 48. But he isn’t taking anything for granted, whether it’s making the roster or playing down the lineup in his rookie season.
“You don’t just get stuff given to you, right? You’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to earn your spot. I still have to get my spot on the team and that’s what I’m going into camp to do,” he said.
If he makes the cut, Schaefer would easily be the youngest player on an Islanders roster that features over a dozen players over the age of 30. But Schaefer is comfortable with that age disparity. He has a brother who’s nine years older than him, which he said helps with the communication. But he also won’t hesitate to seek his older teammates’ guidance.
“I think it’s good for me to have an older group where they can help me along the way,” he said. “A lot of guys have been in the league for so long where any sort of advice they give me, I’m going to take it right away.”
That said, he knows there are some expectations for a player his age from his older teammates.
“Maybe I have to babysit [their kids] or something,” he said with a laugh. “I mean, I wouldn’t mind it.”
NCAA eligibility rules a ‘game changer’
Karsen Dorwart admits he’s a little jealous.
The Philadelphia Flyers prospect was signed as an NCAA free agent after playing three years at Michigan State. He grew up in Oregon, and was a huge fan of the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks.
“I always wanted to play in Portland. Growing up, watching those guys. It was just kind of decided it wasn’t the right path for me,” he said. “But if I was able to do both, I’m sure I would’ve.”
For decades, that opportunity wasn’t available to young players like Dorwart. The NCAA deemed anyone who played in the Canadian Hockey League ineligible for college hockey, because those junior leagues have players who have signed professional contracts with NHL teams, and because CHL players earned a monthly stipend.
That all changed last November when the NCAA Division I council voted to make CHL players eligible for NCAA Division I hockey starting this season. The council ruled players can compete in the CHL — comprising the WHL, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League — without jeopardizing their NCAA Division I hockey eligibility, provided they aren’t “paid more than actual and necessary expenses as part of that participation.”
Players like Dorwart no longer had the binary choice of Canadian junior hockey or NCAA hockey. That has already led to one landscape-shifting moment in college hockey as Gavin McKenna — the consensus choice for first overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft — left the WHL Medicine Hat Tigers after three seasons to sign with Penn State University on an NIL deal “in the ballpark” of $700,000, a source told ESPN.
1:08
Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna announces PSU commitment
Gavin McKenna joins “SportsCenter” to announce his official commitment to Penn State University.
“A guy like Gavin McKenna making that jump to go play college is a big step,” said Minnesota Wild defenseman Zeev Buium, who played at the University of Denver. “I think everyone gets better. You’re getting guys from everywhere and you can get anybody you want now. I just think it makes all of college hockey better.”
Toronto Maple Leafs defensive prospect Ben Danford said the NCAA’s eligibility ruling “changed the game for sure” for both college hockey and the CHL, where he played for the Oshawa Generals. “We’ll have to see what happens. I feel like maybe the OHL is going to become a bit younger,” he said.
Overall, the NHL prospects were most intrigued by the migration of players from Canadian juniors to the NCAA.
“I think NCAA is a hard league. It’s a physical league. So I’m really excited to see how those guys can adapt to it,” said St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud, who attended the University of Minnesota.
Dorwart thinks the eligibility rule change is great for NCAA hockey — even if for him it might have meant more time as a Winterhawk in Portland than as a Spartan at Michigan State.
“You’re getting all the best players in college now. I’ve got to meet some of the new CHL guys at Michigan State, and they’re super pumped and it’s just going to be great for everyone’s development,” he said. “But it’s something I’m jealous of. I think it would’ve been fun to play in my hometown growing up.”
The AHL ’19-year-old’ rule
Another significant change to player development is on the horizon — if the NHL and CHL can agree to it.
In the new NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, there is a provision for teams to loan one 19-year-old player to their AHL farm team without the requirement of offering that player back to their Canadian junior team first.
The current rules state that a player drafted from the CHL must be at least 20 years old or have played at least four full seasons in the CHL to be eligible for the AHL.
The new CBA kicks in next September. While other rule changes were fast-tracked for this season, the earliest the “19-year-old” rule would be implemented is the 2026-27 season, according to an NHL source. Again, that’s pending the NHL and CHL agreeing to amend the “mandatory return rule” for players.
“Honestly, I’ve been really curious about that rule,” said Berkly Catton, a 19-year-old center prospect for the Seattle Kraken who played for the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. “Honestly, as of right now, all I can really do is go to camp, have a good camp and kind of force their hand. But that AHL rule would be really cool.”
Zayne Parekh of the Calgary Flames is happy that the AHL rule hasn’t been fast-tracked for this season.
Parekh, 19, is considered the Flames’ top prospect, and one of the better offensive defensemen on the rise in the NHL. He made his NHL debut at the end of last season, scoring a goal in his only game. The way he sees it, having the “mandatory return rule” puts a pressure point on Calgary to add him to this season’s roster.
“I think it’s nice not having it because they’re really going to give me a good look to make the NHL team,” he said. “Maybe it benefits me, maybe it doesn’t, but it all depends on my camp. The opportunity is there. It’s just about taking advantage of it.”
Parekh is exactly the kind of prospect the NHL is considering when seeking to change the “mandatory return rule.” He had 107 points in 61 games for the Saginaw Spirit last season, posting back-to-back 33-goal campaigns. Even if the Flames believe he’s not ready for a regular role in the NHL, having him dominate another season in juniors wouldn’t benefit him as much as playing against professional talent in the AHL.
“Sometimes you’ve done what you’re supposed to do in junior. That kind of middle ground could be nice if you need to develop a little bit more,” Catton said.
The Seattle prospect was reminded of the significant leap in competition when he attended Kraken training camp last season, which was one reason he focused on strength training in the offseason.
“These guys are men. It’s not a 16-year-old kid going into a puck battle. It’s a guy with kids and stuff, but you got to come out with the puck somehow,” Catton said.
NHL fit check
Every year, the NHLPA rookie showcase offers a first glimpse at NHL uniform redesigns for the upcoming season.
Fit checks at the @NHLPA and @UpperDeckSports rookie showcase:
Jimmy Snuggerud rocks the new @StLouisBlues jersey, Tij Iginla in new @utahmammoth gear and Zayne Parekh in a fake mustache. (The @NHLFlames have a beauty here btw.) pic.twitter.com/wA4xuVg0Ot
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 3, 2025
Snuggerud wore the new St. Louis Blues uniform, which brings back the original color scheme from their 1967 sweaters.
“They’re very blue,” Snuggerud said.
(Well, they are the Blues.)
Meanwhile, Tij Iginla was decked out in the rechristened Utah Mammoth’s new home uniform sporting their official team colors: Rock Black, Mountain Blue and Salt White. Iginla said he’s fond of the former Utah Hockey Club’s new logo, which combines a local mountain range, a mammoth head and U-shaped tusks.
“I really like it. I think it’s a super kind of fierce logo. One of the coolest ones in the league,” said Iginla, who was drafted sixth overall in 2024. “So super, super cool to be wearing it for the first time.”
Iginla followed the branding drama for his team over the past year, including when everyone around the NHL believed the team would be called the Utah Yeti.
“I thought Yeti would’ve been cool, but I like them both. I don’t think they could have went wrong,” he said. “I’m happy with the Mammoth.”
Designer Duck
Beckett Sennecke, 19, was drafted third overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2024. The winger played last season for the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, tallying 86 points in 56 games.
He’s on track to become an NHL player. Perhaps then he’ll be the one who gets recognized at the airport instead of his mother.
Sennecke is the son of Candice Olson. In 1994, after playing for the Canadian national volleyball team, Olson began her own interior design firm in Toronto. Seven years later, she joined the booming home improvement television movement with her show “Divine Design,” which aired on the W Network in Canada and HGTV in the U.S. She would go on to host other shows and serve as a judge on HGTV’s reality competition show “Design Star” through 2011.
“She had a TV show back in the day called ‘Candice Tells All’ or something. She went in and redid the interior of houses and then made a TV show about it. I guess it was pretty popular back in the day,” Sennecke said.
Her fame as an HGTV star predated Sennecke’s formative years. Hence, his friends weren’t really cognizant that he had a celebrity mom.
“No, it was an older show. It was more like people at the airport coming up to her and are like, ‘Oh, it’s Candice!’ She gets that probably once or twice a year now,” he said.
Sennecke said he couldn’t help but have an aesthetically pleasing house while growing up: His father is an architect.
“It’s like a double whammy. If I don’t have a nice house … I don’t know,” he said. “But yeah, they did a good job for sure.”
So along with the pressure of making the NHL one day, there’s the added pressure of eventually buying his first house as the son of an architect and a former “Design Star” judge.
“I’m sure my mom will be all over the interior and stuff,” he said. “Especially the lighting. That’s her biggest thing. Whenever there’s bad lightning, she’s always disgusted with it.”
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Looking to continue its unbeaten start to the 2025 campaign, the No. 7-ranked Wake Forest men’s soccer team is set to host Lipscomb at Spry Stadium Friday evening.
The match against the Bisons is slated for 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on ACC Network Extra with live stats available here.
Fan Information
Parking is encouraged in lots A, B, Q, W1 & W2. A complete parking map of campus is here.
Gates open one hour prior to kickoff for all home matches.
Season Ticket Information
2025 Wake Forest soccer season and single game tickets are on-sale now giving fans the opportunity to witness The Best Fan Experience In North Carolina from a number of unique seating options!
Adult season tickets start as low as $70 for general admission and $50 for youth while reserved chairbacks are $130 for fans and $110 for Wake Forest University faculty and staff.
Accessibility Information
Wake Forest Athletics strives to provide content at games, social media and on GoDeacs.com that is accessible to all people. In the continued effort to improve accessibility of the technology and digital content at tomorrow’s game, fans can access closed captions here for the public address announcer and in-venue content.
Wake Forest Athletics is always open to learning about new ideas and ways we can improve. Please report accessibility challenges, identify content you find inaccessible, or give us general feedback at pantagw@wfu.edu.
Quick Notes
- Wake Forest has only allowed one goal this campaign, which is tied for the fewest goals allowed through three games in the Muuss-era.
- Goalkeeper Jonah Mednard has conceded just once in his career with 287 total minutes in goal with two clean sheets. He holds a .889 save percentage and a .32 goals-against average.
- Wake Forest will look to start unbeaten through four matches for the sixth time under Muuss and for the first time since 2023.
- This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
- The Demon Deacons enter the contest unbeaten in their last 15 matches at Spry Stadium with wins in seven of the last eight.
- The Deacs hold a 11-0-4 home record dating back to Aug. 25 of last year.
- Additionally, the Demon Deacons have yet to trail this season as they have led for 93 minutes.
- All four of the Deacs’ goals to open the season have come from four different players as Ryan Belal, Jeffrey White, Jose Perez and Tate Lorentz have all opened their accounts on the year.
- Earlier this week, the Demon Deacons landed No. 7 in the United Soccer Coaches’ preseason poll while also holding No. 6 spot in the TopDrawerSoccer College Soccer News polls.
- Wake Forest was picked to finish second in the ACC preseason poll and held the most first-place votes (5).
Scouting the Bisons
- Lipscomb is coming off of its first win of the campaign as it took down Mercer, 2-0, at home on Sunday and currently holds a 1-1-1 record headed into Sunday.
- Redshirt junior midfielder Levi Jones came off the bench and scored in the 68th and 75th minutes to defeat the Bears.
- Jones leads the team with five points as he also notched an assist on the 77th-minute equalizer against Memphis in the opener.
- The Bisons only bring back 18 percent (4-of-22) of their goal production from last season that saw Lipscomb post a 3-8-5 (1-4-2 ASUN) record.
- Only one returning player, Tyler Stinnett, scored multiple goals last season (two).
- The squad is made up of 13 newcomers to the squad with eight freshmen.
- The Bisons were picked to finish fifth in the ASUN Preseason Coaches Poll and received one first place vote.
- One of the newcomers is starting goalkeeper Alex Kara, who transferred in after two seasons with Indiana.
- He made six saves against Memphis and five against USF before earning his first-career clean sheet last time out against Mercer.
Last Time Out (vs. St. John’s)
- The No. 5 Wake Forest men’s soccer team remained unbeaten in 2025 as it battled St. John’s to a 0-0 draw Sunday evening at Spry Stadium.
- Wake Forest came out dominating play throughout the opening stages of the match and held possession for 65 percent of the first half. However, the two sides went into the halftime break knotted at 0-0 without either team able to score by the final whistle.
- In the 75th minute, it looked as if the Demon Deacons had taken a 1-0 lead off a Jeffrey White goal following a set piece just outside of the 18, but the decision was overruled by VAR.
- In goal, redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Jonah Mednard recorded his second-consecutive clean sheet. Despite only tallying one save, he snuffed out multiple potential chances for the visitors and limited the danger.
- For the third-consecutive match, Wake Forest went with a starting backline of junior Travis Smith, Jr., sophomores Mason Sullivan and Amoni Thomas, and graduate captain Cristian Escribano. The Demon Deacon defense excelled in limiting opportunities for the visitors and only allowed one shot on goal over the 90 minutes.
- This marked the second-straight contest in which the Deacs allowed just one shot on frame as Wake Forest has outshot opponents 42-to-30 through the first three matches of the season.
- Additionally, this marks the first time since Oct. 1-12 (four matches) of last year that the Demon Deacons recorded consecutive clean sheets.
- With the draw, the Demon Deacons are now unbeaten in their last 15 matches at Spry Stadium. Overall, the Deacs hold a 11-0-4 home record dating back to Aug. 25 of last year.
Battle Tested
- The Demon Deacons face one of the toughest schedules in the nation this season due to the strength of the ACC.
- Wake Forest has six opponents on the schedule that are currently ranked inside the top 20, including No. 1 Stanford, No. 3 Clemson and No. 10 Pitt.
- Of note, the ACC holds six spots in the top 10 of the United Soccer Coaches poll and seven in the top 15.
National Leader In Wins
- Named the fourth head coach in program history prior to the start of the 2015 season, Bobby Muuss‘ Demon Deacon squads have built on the longstanding and rich 45-year history of the program.
- Since 2015, Wake Forest’s 154 total wins ranks No. 1 nationally, seven more than any program and 11 more than any other ACC program. During that span, Wake Forest is also joined only by Indiana as the only Division I programs to have won at least 10 matches every season.
- Additionally, Wake Forest and Indiana are the only two programs of the 211 programs nationally to hold double-digit NCAA Tournament appearance streaks.
- Wake Forest also leads the nation in wins over the last quarter-century (359), 10 more than second-most Maryland.
Total Wins Since 2015
| Rank | Team | Total Wins Since ’15 |
| 1. | Wake Forest | 154 |
| 2. | Indiana | 148 |
| 3. | Clemson | 143 |
| 4. | Georgetown | 134 |
| 5. | Stanford | 130 |
Consecutive Seasons With 10+ Victories
| Rank | Team | Consecutive seasons with 10+ wins |
| 1. | Wake Forest | 13 |
| 2. | Indiana | 11 |
| 3. | Georgetown | 8 |
| T4. | Clemson, Missouri State, Marshall | 6 |
| 7. | Denver, Duke | 4 |
The Spry Advantage
- Since Muuss’ arrival in 2015, Wake Forest ranks No. 1 nationally in home wins (113), 17 more than any other program nationally.
- Over the last 10 seasons, the Deacs have won at least eight of their matches at Spry Stadium including a double-digit win total seven of those seasons.
- Wake Forest’s home winning percentage of 82.41 percent since 2015 also ranks third nationally, behind only Indiana and Denver.
Home Wins Since 2015
| Rank | Team | Total Home Wins Since ’15 |
| 1. | Wake Forest | 113 |
| T2. | Clemson | 96 |
| T2. | Indiana | 96 |
| 4. | Virginia | 89 |
| 5. | Georgetown | 85 |
Home Winning Percentage Since 2015
| Rank | Team | Home Winning Percentage Since ’15 |
| 1. | Indiana | 84.00% |
| 2. | Denver | 82.99% |
| 3. | Wake Forest | 82.41% |
| 4. | Clemson | 79.92% |
| 5. | Missouri State | 79.89% |
Consistent Threat In The Toughest Conference In The Country
- Recognized annually as the toughest soccer conference in the country from top to bottom, the ACC has placed the most teams in the NCAA Tournament each of the last 12 seasons and has had at least five teams earn a bid 24-straight seasons.
- During the 2024 NCAA Tournament, the ACC earned nine bids including seven national seeds.
- Wake Forest has received an NCAA Tournament bid 14-straight seasons, eight years more than any other ACC program.
| Rank | Team | Consecutive NCAA Tournament Appearances |
| 1. | Wake Forest | 14 |
| T2. | Clemson & Pitt | 6 |
| 4. | North Carolina | 5 |
| 5. | Duke | 4 |
| T6. | Virginia, Stanford & SMU | 3 |
Looking Ahead
- After Friday night’s match, Wake Forest will return to Spry Stadium for the last of its five-match home stand to open the season as it takes on Campbell on Tuesday night.
- The Demon Deacons will open conference play on the road at North Carolina on Friday, Sept. 12.
- The match against the Camels is slated for 6 p.m. and will stream live on ACCNX.
- This will mark the fifth-ever meeting between the two programs with the Demon Deacons leading the series, 4-0-0.
ESPN has not ruled out future deals like the arrangement it recently struck with the NFL, but they would have to “make business sense,” network chairman Jimmy Pitaro said at an event Thursday.
Speaking at the BofA 2025 Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference, Pitaro said that ESPN’s deal with the NFL to acquire NFL Network and other assets in exchange for an equity stake was “unique” and occurred “at a unique moment in time.”
“Whether we would ever try to replicate this, I would say it’d have to make business sense … we’re always interested in ways to advance the business and, just as importantly, ways to serve the sports fan,” Pitaro said, “and so if someone comes to us and presents a compelling opportunity, we’re of course going to listen.”
Although the NFL would be a stakeholder in ESPN, the league is keeping its equity interests separate from how it thinks about distribution or the utilization of its rights. NFL EVP/media distribution Hans Schroeder said this week that the league will maintain “an arm’s length” in such negotiations. “It’s going to be fascinating to see what the NFL does with their opt out,” Pitaro said. “I think you know this, but in 2029, they have an opt out, and a year later, they have an opt out with us, so we’ll see how that plays out.”
Pitaro touted the network’s portfolio as the best in its history, but said it is never satisfied and will look at what makes sense for the business. When asked about a potential NFL international package, he said the network is “always interested in growing our business” and would “be interested in having the conversation.”
Beyond the NFL, ESPN and Major League Baseball were reported by The Wall Street Journal to be “closing in” on a three-year agreement worth $1.65 billion that would grant the company rights to include MLB.TV within the ESPN DTC streaming service, along with some local, in-market rights and a national package of games. Pitaro did not announce the completion of an agreement, but said he expects that the deals will “close relatively soon.” ESPN and MLB had agreed to a mutual opt out of their existing seven-year contract before the season, and the two entities have had conversations that Pitaro described as “healthy” and “positive.”
Over the last several years, ESPN has inked various media rights deals that have reportedly resulted in augmented fees being paid to sports leagues. The agreement with the NBA marks an increase of 75% in the annual media rights fee, moving to a reported $2.45 billion from $1.4 billion per year. The network also reached an extension of its media rights agreement with the College Football Playoff, signed a 10-year deal to broadcast SEC college football and men’s basketball games and reached a new eight-year agreement for NCAA championships.
“You’ve seen significant increases over the past several years,” Pitaro said. “I don’t have a crystal ball. I don’t know how sustainable this type of growth is. Again, you’re seeing big tech operate with discipline, which I think even a few years ago, a lot of people did not expect. I think a lot of people expected the big tech players to spend more aggressively, bid more aggressively than they have. But I’m not sure how we’re going to continue to see significant increases when there’s not a lot on the marketplace.”
In this countdown, we look back at the fastest recorded tennis serves of all time.
Service speed remains a dominant feature in the modern game and can become a player’s trump card out on the court.
With players getting stronger and cutting-edge technology in tennis racquets making leaps and bounds, serves today are faster than ever.
We take a look at the fastest serves ever recorded by men and women out on the tennis court.
Men’s fastest tennis serve
Sam Groth – 263.4kph (163.7mph.)
Australian Sam Groth has the honour of having the fastest recorded tennis serve of all time.
The 6ft 4 Australian set the record during an ATP Open Challenger match in Busan, South Korea, in 2012 against Belarusian tennis player Uladzimir Ignatik.
Groths serve clocks in at a staggering 263.4kph (163.7mph).
Honorable mentions
Second Fastest Recorded Serve in Tennis
Albano Olivetti – 257.5 kph (160mph)
Frenchman Albano Olivetti holds the record for the second-fastest serve ever recorded. The French tennis pro also remains the second person to break the 160mph serve speed barrier.
Olivetti’s serve came in 2012 at the challenger level during the Internazionali Trofeo Lame Perrel–Faip.
Albano Olivetti holds the second-fastest record serve on the tour.
Third Fastest Recorded Serve in Tennis
John Isner – 253 kph (157.2 mph).
It would be hard not to include the American giant John Isner in this list. The 6ft 10 American is known best for his monster serves, which are delivered consistently throughout.
His monstrous serve is thanks in part to his stature. Isner clocks in as the third-tallest tennis player on the ATP behind the Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic and American young gun Reilly Opelka (both 6ft 11 inches). Ivo Karlovic currently holds the record for the fourth fastest recorded tennis serve.
Isner currently holds the third fastest serve in tennis. The Americans serve, clocking in at 253 kph (157.2 mph) during a 2016 Davis Cup tie against Bernard Tomic.
John Isner also holds the record for playing the longest match in Grand Slam history against Nicolas Mahut. During Wimbledon 2010, Isner beat Mahut in 5 sets: 6–4, 3–6, 6–7, 7–6, 70–68. The match lasted 11 hours and 5 minutes.
Isner’s serve is the fastest recorded serve in tennis, recognised by the ATP.
Fastest Tennis Serve Female
Georgina García Pérez – 220kph (136.7 mph)
Spaniard Georgina Garcia Perez holds the record for the fastest recorded tennis serve by a woman.
Perez clocked a serve of 200kph (136.7 mph) during the Hungarian Ladies Open in 2018.
Georgina Garcia Perez holds the record for the fastest serve by a female.
Why is it nearly impossible to hit a 160 mph tennis serve?
A considered calculation of stature, technique, coaching, mechanics and good old practice is said to make the perfect concoction for a fast serve.
A direct correlation has been proven between the height of a player and power during a serve. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the top servers of the game are all giants by nature.
The trajectory of a serve remains ever important. Players who are 6ft 7 or above have the ability to hit the ball with a downward trajectory, whereas those who are under that height are unable to do so.
Modern technology has also greatly aided in the incremental increase of server power over time. The changeover from wooden rackets to today’s modern racket is a huge factor in determining serve power. Advancements in string technology and racket materials also play a huge part in determining a fast serve.
Other mitigating factors include court conditions. Faster serves are much more likely to happen on a hard court and during hotter temperatures, where there is less resistance to air density, translating to faster speeds.
When you compare the fastest tennis serve with other sports, you can see how fast it is.
Fastest Football shot – 114 mph by David Hirst in 1996
Fastest Baseball pitch – 105.1 mph by Aroldis Chapman in 2010
Fastest Cricket Bowling speed – 100.2 mph by Shoaib Akhtar in 2003
What is the average tennis serve speed?
The average tennis serve speed differs between both men and women, as well as between pros and amateurs. Data shows us that for professional male tennis players, the average tennis serve speed is approximately 114 mph (on their first serve) and 93 mph (on their second serve).
For women, the average tennis serve speed clocks in at 98 mph (on their first serve) and 82 mph (on their second serve).
This data was recorded between 2002-2013, so bear in mind the average speeds have likely increased by a few miles per hour in the modern era, as racquet technology and athletes continue to evolve and adapt within the sport.
Check out Wired’s video, which covers the topic more in-depth.
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PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Pilots Men’s Soccer, ranked 24th in the nation, is ready for their first ranked matchup of the season against the Kansas City Roos. The two teams are set to play on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. here at Merlo Field.
Tickets for Friday’s game are available at PortlandPilots.com/Tickets. A live stream is also available on ESPN+. Check PortlandPilots.com for links to the live stream and live stats.
MATCH INFORMATION
Opponent: #17/19/RV Kansas City Roos (2-0-2, 0-0-0 Summit)
Day: Friday
Date: Sept. 5, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Place: Portland, Ore.
Pitch: Merlo Field
Video: ESPN+
Stats: PortlandPilots.com
POR vs. UMKC
Overall Series: 0-0-0
H: 0-0-0 • A: 0-0-0 • N: 0-0-0
Last: N/A
PEEK INTO THE PORT
- The Pilots are a perfect 4-0 on the year, outscoring opponents 17-0 in these first four games. They are now ranked 24th nationally.
- They most recently earned a road win over the Wisconsin Badgers 1-0, their eighth win over a Big Ten team and 18th against a Power Four team since Nick Carlin-Voigt took over as head coach in 2016. They also beat the Siena Saints last week 4-0.
- David Ajagbe scored the game-winning goal for the Pilots against the Badgers. Highfield scored two goals against the Saints and Waggoner added another.
- The Pilots lead the nation in 10 different categories, including goals (17), assists (21), points (55), goals-against average (.000), shutout percentage (1.000), save percentage (1.000), points per game (13.75), goal differential (17) and assists per game (5.25)
- Several players are near the top of the nation statistically.
- Diego Rosas is tied with 10 players for first in the nation in assists at four. He posted two assists against Siena on Friday.
- David Ajagbe and Nicholas Dunbar also sit at second in the conference and 13th nationally in assists at three. Ajagbe’s seven points rank second in the WCC and 18th nationally.
- Joe Highfield is one of the top scorers in the nation, sitting at third in points (11), fifth in goals (four) and 11th in assists (three).
- Miguel-Angel Hernandez has yet to allow a goal in his three starts for Portland. He’s one of 14 players to not allow a goal.
- Portland is one of five teams to have started the season 4-0-0 and are the only team in the nation to have started 4-0-0 with four straight shutouts.
- Portland’s 4-0 start is the first time since 1988. It’s also the first time they’ve posted four straight shutouts to start a season since that year.
- The Pilots hold a 14-game unbeaten streak that stretches back to last season.
- This year, they were picked to finish third in the 2025 West Coast Conference Preseason Poll, with forward Joe Highfield and midfielder Efetobo Aror each making the preseason team.
- Highfield was the first Pilot to make the All-WCC First Team and the All-WCC Freshman Team in the same season since Benji Michel in 2016, scoring seven goals and adding three assists. His four goals and three assists against WCC opponents were the second most in the conference.
- Aror was drafted in the first round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft this past year by the Colorado Rapids but chose to return. The WCC Freshman of the Year in 2023, he played in 10 matches with six starts, recording a goal and assist.
- Aror, along with Pilot newcomer David Ajagbe, was also named to the TopDrawerSoccer Top 100 players in the preseason, slotting in at 52nd. Ajagbe ranks 99th on the list.
- Ajagbe scored seven goals and added two assists with the Ohio State Buckeyes last season, who earned the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament last year. Ajagbe made the All-Big Ten Freshman team and the TopDrawerSoccer Freshman Best XI Second Team.
- Last season, the Pilots were a dynamic offensive team, ranking second in the WCC in goals per game (1.78), total assists (44), total points (108), points per game (6.00) and assists per game (2.44). Their 2.44 assists per game ranked ninth nationally while their assist total ranked 14th.
- The Pilots also were in the top 50 nationally in points per game, (21st), total points (27th), goals per game (44th) and total goals (32, 46th).
- The Pilots return 16 players from last year’s roster while welcoming 16 newcomers. The incoming class ranks fifth nationally on TopDrawerSoccer.
- Of the 16 returners, Portland returns three players who earned All-WCC honors: Highfield, Miguel-Angel Hernandez (Second Team) and Diego Rosas (Honorable Mention).
- Hernandez played in seven matches last year, posting shutouts in three of those matches.
- Rosas led the Pilots in assists in his second season with the Pilots, posting eight assists. He was the third Pilot since 2017 to post at least three assists in a game, doing so against the LMU Lions.
- Nick Carlin-Voigt enters his 10th year as head coach of the Pilots. He has posted a 92-46-21 record during his tenure, having led Portland to the NCAA Tournament five times during that span.
- Carlin-Voigt was at the helm when the Pilots advanced to the Elite Eight in 2022, their first appearance that deep in the tournament since 1995.
ABOUT THE ROOS
- The Kansas City Roos are 2-0-2 on the year, most recently tying the Saint Mary’s Gaels 1-1 and beating the Northern Illinois Huskies 2-1.
- They are currently receiving votes in the latest Top 25 poll from United Soccer Coaches. They are 17th in the College Soccer News Poll and 19th in TopDrawerSoccer’s poll.
- The Roos were 14-5-3 overall and 5-2-1 in Summit league play. They won the Summit League Championship over the Denver Pioneers and then advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
- The Roos were picked second in the Summit League Preseason Poll, with Bryson Gosch and Jeremy Francou making the preseason team.
- Gosch tallied 1,776 minutes last year, earning honorable mention as well as All-Tournament honors. He scored the equalizing goal in the Summit League Championship against Denver.
- Francou scored four goals last year for Kansas City, including a goal in their first-round tournament game against the Saint Louis Bilikens.
- Ryan Pore is in his sixth year at the helm of the Roos. He is 35-33-22 in his six seasons with Kansas City.
Get Your Tickets Now!
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