TEMPE, Ariz. – For the fourth straight season the Cleveland State men's tennis team was honored by the ITA for their work in the classroom, as the Vikings were named a 2021 ITA All-Academic Team. In addition, nine Vikings were also named ITA Scholar-Athletes for the 2020-21 academic year.

For the 2020-21 academic year, the Vikings posted a team grade point average of 3.78, and were one of four Horizon League teams to pick up ITA All-Academic Team honors. Last month, the Vikings represented Cleveland State with the highest men's team GPA (out of Horizon League sponsored sports), earning the league's Raise Your Sights Award.

Individually, Nico Mostardi earned his fifth straight ITA Scholar-Athlete honor, while Jack Santilli, Raul Teichmann and Matthew Terry all picked up ITA Scholar-Athlete accolades for the third time in their careers. Also earning ITA Scholar-Athlete honors were JuandeDios Abboud, Clark Bilinovich, Maxime Mareschal-Hay, Kade Mindry, and Austin Staiger.

All nine Vikings posted a 3.60+ GPA for the 2020-21 academic year, while they combined for 12 Cleveland State Dean's List honors throughout the year.

On the court, the Vikings captured their third straight Horizon League championship during the adjusted 2021 season, and made their eighth appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Under 19-year head coach Brian Etzkin, the Vikings posted an overall record of 18-5, including a perfect 8-0 mark in Horizon League regular season play. 

In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status, a player must have a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the current academic year and be listed on the institutional eligibility form.

The ITA All-Academic Team award is open to any ITA program that has a cumulative team grade point average of 3.20 or above.