MEN’S TENNIS

Following a historic season for Huntington University men’s tennis, the Foresters picked up major regional recognition from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association as the organization announced its 2026 ITA NAIA Men’s Regional Award winners.

HU Head Coach Ignacio Poncio was named the NAIA East Region Coach of the Year while the Foresters also earned the East Region Community Service Award.

The honors cap off another landmark season for the HU program under Poncio’s leadership. In his sixth year at the helm, Poncio guided the Foresters to their second straight appearance at the NAIA National Championships where HU opened nationals with a convincing 4-1 win over Oakland City before battling nationally-ranked Lindsey Wilson in a tightly contested 4-2 defeat.

Along the way, Huntington climbed to No. 10 in the NAIA national poll, the highest ranking in program history.

The Foresters wrapped up the year 21-5 overall, marking just the seventh 20-win season in program history. HU dominated Crossroads League play with a perfect 9-0 mark to claim the league’s regular season championship before finishing runner-up in the conference tournament.

Poncio owns an 86-41 career record at Huntington, good for a .677 winning percentage.

The ITA also recognized the team’s commitment to serving others by naming the Foresters the East Region Community Service Award winners.

In addition to hosting summer tennis clinics on campus, HU student-athletes partnered with a local non-profit throughout the year to assist with concessions at TinCaps and Komets games. Martin Capdevilla also dedicated time to helping coach tennis at Huntington North High School.

The regional honors further cement what has become the gold standard era for Forester men’s tennis, both on the court and throughout the community.