It was not only the program’s first NCAA national championship, but also the first for any team at Flagler since the College joined the NCAA in 2006.
To do it, the men’s tennis team had to beat previously undefeated Barry University in a hard-fought 4-3 victory.
While the Saints were the national runners-up in 2024 in their first NCAA national title match, the last time they had won championships were 1986 and 1977, back when Flagler was still competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Flagler won NAIA titles in 1977 and 1986.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said head coach Jonas Piibor. “All of the credit goes to the team as they deserve to be awarded for the hard work they put in every day. As a coaching staff, we have challenged them about being willing to put in more work and endure more pain in order to achieve this.”
Flagler had been ranked No. 4 in the nation and was the No. 6 seed heading into the tournament. They finished the season with a 24-4 record, and defeated the nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams on back-to-back days to take the title.
The championship came down to a final match won by No. 4 singles and No. 73-ranked Aly El Rafiem.
“We are very fortunate to work with so many great people here at Flagler College,” added Piibor. “It is very special to share this title with everyone as so many of you played a part in making this possible.”
