DU Men’s tennis went undefeated, 16-0, in nonconference play, capped by a win Friday afternoon over Oregon, 4-1, at the Denver Tennis Center (DTC). The DU men’s team is comprised of international players from the countries of Serbia, Spain, Japan, Germany, Scotland, England, and Hungary along with Anish Shriniketh – the only American player from Katy, Texas. Considering the success of Denver gymnastics and Denver hockey, one of Denver’s best teams, men’s tennis,  is finding incredible success in relative anonymity. They are worth a watch if you have never been to see collegiate tennis live.

Nonconference wins over Power-Five teams like Purdue, Utah, Wisconsin and Friday’s match over Oregon were just a few of the outstanding performances this season. Summit League conference play begins Saturday at the Denver Tennis Center against North Dakota. Denver is inching ever closer, only five conference matches, from achieving an undefeated regular season.

Head coach Drew Eberly, the Summit League’s reigning Coach of the Year, is in his third season at the helm, ninth when including his assistant coaching duties, and is not only battling for wins on the court but fighting to elevate the sport of tennis to Denver sports fans. A former tennis All-American at Ohio State, Eberly has the Pioneers playing their best when it means the most.

The Pioneers are doing all this against many larger, more heavily financed programs. “We have something special here. We’re all about great people and my coaches – Mitch Stewart and Will Davies – those guys are as good as it gets. The guys (players) trust them and believe in them. To go up against Power Five’s, especially with name, image and likeness (NIL – money), and all the things they have that we don’t have – we’ve embraced that. We have a zero next to our loss column and that is all that matters. These are good kids, good in school and they do it the right way.”

Following the match victory over Oregon, Eberly attributed his team’s success to, “a great group of guys – an older group. A very cohesive group that fights hard and fights for each other. They are playing good tennis now and very proud of them.”

Eberly looks to bring the best out of each team member. “These guys have different game styles. We try to cater to their style and what works best for them. We preach hard work and good attitude. This team has put in the work.” Eberly, his coaches and his players use word of mouth, previous players, international travel and a global network to recruit student-athletes to Denver. “Our coaches and players are the best recruiters we have” said Eberly..  “People are taking notice nationally (of our program). One of the cooler stories in college tennis this year.”

Nicholas Herrero Cuesta, one of DU’s many outstanding players, took down Oregon’s top player Quinn Vandecasteele to contribute to Saturday’s win. Nicholas is from Segovia, Spain. “Denver offered me everything I was looking for – great athletics to a great athletic department. I got a scholarship and everything made sense for me to come here. After four years, I feel super lucky and I do not regret my decision.” Self-developed through a local Spanish club and not an academy or boarding school, Herrero Cuesta is a shining example of the ‘diamond in the rough’ discovered by the Denver coaching staff.

Herrero Cuesta, a senior hotel real estate major, has embraced team tennis that can get loud and rowdy at times, especially in doubles play. “I love that environment. I was more than ready to experience it when I came here to college – that is one of the things that pushed me to come here. I was tired of competing individually. I wanted teammates I could train with and create relationships that go beyond school.”

“We got off to a great start. We work on the right things and play the right way. I just want myself and the team to continue this trend of working hard and putting ourselves in a position to be successful. Conference play is the most important time of year when people might feel the pressure a little more.” While Herrero Cuesta plans to stop competitive tennis after this season, he hopes to find a job in Denver. However, there is still unfinished business.

“Everyone is going to be gunning for us and giving us their best shot”, said Eberly. Only five more matches remain and the Denver tennis team could achieve a first for the program, an undefeated season. Fans can enjoy warmer weather Sunday and watch the opening of conference play with Denver vs. North Dakota at 10:30 am MT. As always, admission is free.

Top photo of Nicholas Herrero Cuesta, 2023 Summit League Player of the Year courtesy of LetsGoDU