The Racquet Sports Professionals Association recently named Hope International tennis program director Jamison Sanchez the College Coach of the Year.
Sanchez, who has been involved in intercollegiate tennis coaching for 50 years, helped his men's and women's tennis programs to a number of accomplishments during the 2025-26 season.
The women's tennis team was represented by the team's No. 1 player – Ayala Stephens – who attained a No. 16 NAIA national singles ranking, as well as a No. 1 regional singles ranking. In doubles, Stephens and her partner Josie Miranda reached a ranking as high as No. 9 in the region.
In men's tennis, the team's No. 1 player Karan Srivastava earned a No. 40 NAIA national doubles ranking with teammate Thomas Folsom. Srivastava, who was selected the GSAC Newcomer of the Year, also earned the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Rookie of the Year award for the western region. Srivastava landed on the GSAC All-Conference Team.
HIU's No. 2 singles player, Reid Lizardo, received a singles ranking as high as No. 40 in the NAIA national poll, as well as No. 3 regionally. He joined his teammate Srivastava on the GSAC All-Conference Team.
In doubles, Lizardo teamed up with partner Felix Hamp to earn a No. 4 ranking regionally in doubles.
Five other members of the Royals earned an award this season, including GSAC Freshman of the Year Sebastien Dizon Perez. Hamp earned a No. 12 regional singles ranking, Folsom was ranked No. 15 and David Gutierrez No. 20. In regional doubles rankings, Dylan Barrett and Folsom were tabbed No. 9, with Kento Henderson and Kaito Henderson No. 10.
The RSPA is the driving force behind professional excellence in racquet sports. It stands as the premier organization supporting the careers, development, and aspirations of teaching professionals and coaches in tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis. Its mission is to support a passion for racquet sports by development professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching, and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community.
