The Arizona women’s and men’s tennis teams will participate in the Big 12 Championships.

As the University of Arizona embarks on its new journey within the Big 12 Conference, both the men’s and women’s tennis programs find themselves on the cusp of history. For the first time, the Wildcats will compete in the Big 12 Tennis Championships, a prestigious event that promises high-caliber matchups and the opportunity to make an early mark in a new conference.

For head coaches Clancy Shields (men’s team) and Ryan Stotland (women’s team), the tournament represents more than just another postseason appearance—it is a benchmark in the evolution of their respective programs and a proving ground in one of the nation’s most competitive tennis conferences.

The New Era of Arizona Tennis

The Big 12 move, while monumental for many Arizona sports programs, carries particular weight for tennis. The Big 12 is arguably the strongest tennis conference in the country, with teams like Texas, TCU, Oklahoma State, and Baylor regularly ranked among the top ten nationally. Entering such elite company demands preparation, resolve, and the confidence that Arizona has spent years cultivating.

For the Arizona men’s tennis team, the 2024-25 season has been a tale of growth and resilience. Currently hovering around the top 25 in the ITA rankings, the Wildcats have compiled an impressive resume that includes key wins over ranked opponents in both non-conference and early Big 12 play. Clancy Shields, who has transformed the program since his arrival, believes his team is ready for the moment.

“We’ve prepared all year for this,” Shields said. “Our guys know what it takes to compete at the highest level, and there’s no doubt in my mind that we belong in this conference. The Big 12 Championships will be a new challenge, but one we’ve been waiting for.”

On the women’s side, Ryan Stotland’s team has been equally impressive. Despite facing an influx of tough matches during their first Big 12 slate, the Arizona women’s team has embraced the challenge and responded with poise. Currently ranked inside the top 30 nationally, the squad features a balanced mix of veterans and emerging stars.

“This conference is a different beast,” said Stotland. “Every match is a war, and every opponent is capable of winning a national title. But our players have stepped up, and I think we’re just starting to scratch the surface of what we can do.”

Men’s Team: A Veteran Core Leading the Charge

Arizona’s men’s team boasts a lineup filled with experience and firepower. Led by senior captain Jonas Ziverts, who has been a cornerstone of the program for the last four years, the Wildcats feature depth throughout the lineup. Ziverts, known for his calm demeanor and ruthless baseline game, has consistently delivered in clutch moments and will be a key player to watch during the Big 12 Championships.

Joining him are fellow upperclassmen Colton Smith and Herman Hoeyeraal, both of whom have made significant strides this season. Smith, in particular, has emerged as a formidable force at the top of the lineup. The California native has collected multiple ranked wins, helping elevate Arizona into the national conversation.

“We’ve got a group that really believes in each other,” Ziverts said. “The Big 12 is tough, but we love that. We didn’t come here to play easy matches. This is what we wanted.”

Doubles play has also been a strong suit for the Wildcats, with combinations like Smith and Hoeyeraal providing consistent results. With the doubles point often setting the tone in collegiate matches, Arizona’s ability to strike early could be a deciding factor in the Big 12 tournament.

Women’s Team: Young Stars Making Noise

The women’s side is undergoing a renaissance under Coach Stotland, and nowhere is that more evident than in the performances of freshmen like Sofia Smagina and Caroline Pierre. Smagina, a Ukrainian standout, has quickly adapted to college tennis and become a reliable weapon at the top of the order. Her aggressive court coverage and natural instincts make her a matchup problem for any opponent.

Pierre, a product of Arizona’s own recruiting pipeline, has brought energy and consistency to the middle of the lineup. Alongside veterans like senior Kayla Wilkins and junior Zeyneb Sarioglan, the Wildcats are shaping into a team that’s capable of making a deep tournament run.

“Everyone’s bought in,” said Wilkins. “We know what’s at stake, and we’re not intimidated. We’re motivated.”

The Wildcats’ success has been predicated on team chemistry and a never-say-die attitude, a trademark of Stotland’s coaching philosophy. Their win over top-15-ranked Texas Tech earlier this season marked a turning point, proving that Arizona can hang with the conference’s elite.

The Road Ahead: Big 12 Championships

Both the men’s and women’s Big 12 Tennis Championships will be held at neutral sites, with the men traveling to Fort Worth, Texas, and the women heading to Stillwater, Oklahoma. The tournaments will feature single-elimination brackets, with the top four seeds receiving first-round byes.

Arizona’s placement in the brackets remains to be finalized, but both teams are expected to avoid the bottom seed thanks to solid regular-season finishes. A potential second-round matchup against powerhouses like TCU or Oklahoma State could await either squad, making preparation key.

“I’ve told the guys that this is just the beginning,” said Shields. “We’re going to face adversity, we’re going to get pushed—but that’s the whole point. To test ourselves against the best and come out stronger.”

For the women, the focus is on building momentum and executing the fundamentals.

“We’ve got the talent,” said Stotland. “Now it’s just about playing our game and embracing the moment. I think we can surprise some people.”

Conference Transition: From Pac-12 to Big 12

Arizona’s departure from the Pac-12, along with several other member schools, marked a historic shift in the college athletics landscape. For the tennis programs, the change brought both excitement and uncertainty. The Pac-12 was long considered a premier tennis conference, but the Big 12 presents an even steeper climb.

“Every match is like playing in the NCAA tournament,” said Hoeyeraal. “You don’t get any breaks.”

But with that challenge comes opportunity. Wins in the Big 12 carry significant weight in the eyes of the NCAA selection committee, and a strong showing in the conference tournament could all but guarantee a spot in the national championships.

“It’s like a new adventure,” said Smagina. “We’re not just representing Arizona—we’re showing the Big 12 who we are.”

Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament

With postseason implications on the line, Arizona’s performance at the Big 12 Championships could influence their seeding for the NCAA Tournament. Both teams are projected to qualify, but their success in the conference tourney may determine whether they host first-round regionals or hit the road.

For the men, hosting would be a major achievement. Arizona’s LaNelle Robson Tennis Center has become a fortress in recent years, where a raucous crowd and high altitude have troubled even elite opponents.

“Playing at home is huge,” said Ziverts. “We feed off that energy.”

For the women, a favorable draw could provide a path to the Sweet 16 or beyond—an outcome that once felt distant but now seems within reach.

Building a Championship Culture

Perhaps more important than rankings or records is the culture both coaches have built. Arizona tennis is no longer just surviving—it’s thriving. The Big 12 Championships offer a chance to showcase that growth on a national scale and establish Arizona as a force to be reckoned with.

“We’ve worked hard to get here,” said Stotland. “But this is just the start. We want to be in the conversation every year—not just in the Big 12, but in the country.”

As the Wildcats board planes for Texas and Oklahoma, the message is clear: Arizona tennis has arrived. And they’re not just happy to be here—they’re ready to compete, contend, and possibly conquer.

The University of Arizona’s tennis programs have long been respected within collegiate circles, but the move to the Big 12 presents a defining opportunity. Both the men’s and women’s teams have embraced the challenge, and now, with the conference tournament upon them, they stand ready to make a bold statement.

No longer underdogs or newcomers, the Wildcats have the tools, talent, and tenacity to emerge as true Big 12 contenders. Win or lose, Arizona’s performance at the Big 12 Championships will offer a glimpse into the bright future of tennis in Tucson.