TEMPE, Ariz. – Following a pair of successful rookie campaigns, the Cleveland State men's tennis freshman class of Nico Mostardi and Jack Santilli picked up a pair of academic honors, as both were named ITA Scholar-Athletes.

"The rookie class of Nico and Jack definitely stood out in the classroom this season and it is great for them to be recognized for all of their hard work," head coach Brian Etzkin said. "It definitely takes a lot of work and energy to succeed not only on the tennis court but in the classroom as well, and for these two freshmen to be leading the way is a good way for them to add leadership and direction to our team."  

Mostardi, the 2017 Horizon League Freshman of the Year, picked up ITA Scholar-Athlete accolades after posting a 3.81 GPA for the year while studying marketing. During his rookie campaign, Mostardi was named to the Cleveland State Dean's List following both semesters and picked up CSU Athletic Academic honors.

Santilli posted the team's highest grade point average of the year, owning a 3.855 GPA after his first season of collegiate tennis. Santilli was a two-time Cleveland State Dean's List honoree and earned CSU Athletic Academic accolades.

In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status, a player must meet the following criteria: 1) be a varsity letterwinner, 2) have a grade point average of at least 3.50 for the current academic year, and 3) have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters.