IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine men's tennis has been recognized as an ITA All-Academic Team for the ninth-straight year, while four Anteaters were named ITA Scholar-Athletes as announced Monday by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
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The 'Eaters, who won their second-straight Big West Championship and third in the last four years, were one of 159Â men's tennis programs to receive All-Academic Team distinction. To be eligible, all student-athletes must combine for a minimum 3.20 team GPA for the 2024-25 academic year.
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Individually, graduate student
Hiroki Sakagawa and junior
Max Fardanesh earned their second career ITA Scholar-Athlete awards. Fardanesh was an All-Big West honorable mention selection in singles after going 17-6 overall, 12-3 in dual matches and 5-0 in Big West play. He was also named to the CSC Academic All-District Team. Fardanesh is majoring in political science.
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Sakagawa, who received his master's degree in accountancy in June, missed most of the 2025 season with an injury. In the fall, he competed in the ITA All-American Championships and ITA Southwest Regional.
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Freshmen
Mason Bui and
Ruining Huang were tabbed ITA Scholar-Athletes following their first collegiate seasons. Huang was a regular in the Anteater lineup, finishing with eight dual-match singles wins while playing primarily at Nos. 3 and 4. Bui is majoring in biological sciences, while Huang is undeclared.
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To be eligible for the ITA Scholar-Athlete award, student-athletes must have carried a minimum 3.50 GPA for the 2024-25 academic year.
