CHICAGO, Ill. – The NEC has released their men’s tennis postseason awards for the 2026 season. Chicago State freshman, Yurii Hoida, was voted by the head coaches in the conference to both the NEC Second Team All-Conference in Singles play and the NEC All-Rookie Team for his play throughout the season.
Yurii Hoida was the key leader for the Chicago State men’s tennis teams and had numerous remarkable performances on the court and was one of the highlights for the Men’s Tennis team. As a freshman, Hoida demonstrated his competitive edge earning a 7-14 overall singles record. Notably, he held a 5-10 record at the number one singles position, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level within the team.
Hoida prowess was particularly evident in conference play, where he achieved an impressive 3-1 NEC conference record in Singles play competing in number one singles in each conference match for the Cougars. His contributions as the top singles player were instrumental in leading the team throughout the entire season.
Yurii Hoida becomes the first Cougar men’s tennis player to earn an NEC Postseason Recognition. Hoida also adds a Men’s Rookie of the Week Award and an NEC Prime Performer recognition to his freshman season. The Cougars have officially completed their first tennis season in the NEC and will now gear up for the 2026-27 season.
2026 NEC Men’s Tennis Award Winners
NEC Player of the Year
Eddie Schmidt – So. – Wagner
NEC Rookie of the Year
Lukas Escher Wagner – R-Fr. – Wagner
NEC Coach of the Year
Nick Zieziula – Binghamton – 12th Season
2026 NEC Men’s Tennis First Team All-Conference
Singles
Lukas Escher – R-Fr. – Wagner
Ronin Lotlikar – Sr. – Binghamton
Gryffin Minor – Sr. – FDU
Eddie Schmidt – So. – Wagner
Kevin Titus Suresh – So. – Saint Francis
Carlo Zucchini – Fr. – Le Moyne
Doubles
Harry Liao – Fr. – Binghamton
Ronin Lotlikar – Sr. – Binghamton
Tyler Cook – Sr. – FDU
Joshua Oboniye – Sr. – FDU
Lukas Escher – R-Fr. – Wagner
Eddie Schmidt – So. – Wagner
2026 NEC Men’s Tennis Second Team All-Conference
Singles
Filipe Costa – Jr. – Binghamton
Yurii Hoida – Fr. – Chicago State
Tom Lamers – Gr. – Wagner
Danylo Rekun – Sr. Wagner
Bassil Touban – So. – LIU
James Vincent – Sr. – LIU
Doubles
Dylan Breen – Jr. – Binghamton
Filipe Costa – Jr. – Binghamton
Lukas Cabue Valverde – Sr. – Mercyhurst
Danylo Rekun – Sr. – Mercyhurst
Guillermo Bennaton – So. – Stonehill
Javier Gutierrez – So. – Stonehill
2026 NEC Men’s All-Rookie Team
Lukas Escher – R-Fr. – Wagner
Yurii Hoida – Fr. – Chicago State
Harry Liao – Fr. – Binghamton
Nikola Radisic – Fr. – Mercyhust
Bassil Touban – So. – LIU
Carlo Zucchini – Fr. – Le Moyne
