The Liberty Flames men’s tennis team is set to kick off the 2025 season with high hopes and a revamped roster. The Flames will host Richmond at the Liberty Indoor Tennis Center on Saturday at 1 p.m., with the match streamed via Playsight. This season, Liberty welcomes five new players, including three transfers and two freshmen, while retaining four key players from last year. The team aims to build on their successful 2024 campaign, where they finished with an impressive 18-9 record and a No. 45 ranking in the ITA team standings. The Flames also secured notable achievements in doubles play, earning their first-ever NCAA Individual Championships victory.
New Beginnings and High Hopes for Liberty Flames Tennis
In the crisp autumn air of Virginia, the Liberty Flames men’s tennis team prepares for what promises to be an exciting start to the 2025 season. On Saturday afternoon, the Flames will welcome the Richmond Spiders to the Liberty Indoor Tennis Center for a home match scheduled at 1 p.m. Fans can catch all the action live through the Playsight streaming platform.
This season marks a significant transformation for the Flames, as they introduce five fresh faces to the roster. Among these newcomers are three experienced transfers: Joaquim De Almeida from VCU, Carl Roothman from Oklahoma State, and Trey Stinchcomb from Clemson. Additionally, the team welcomes two freshmen, Siwanat Auytayakul from Thailand and Guy Vorwerk from South Africa, along with Ben Sparks, who will redshirt this season.
The returning players—Ernst Gouws, Chase Robinson, Matija Samardzic, and Rodrigo Santiago Arraez—are eager to lead the charge alongside their new teammates. The Flames had a productive fall season, highlighted by the doubles success of De Almeida and Auytayakul, who claimed the ITA Atlantic Regional title on October 14. This victory earned them an automatic bid to the NCAA Individual Championships in Waco, Texas, where they secured Liberty’s first-ever win at the event.
Head Coach Derek Schwandt, entering his eighth season, and his assistant coaches Kyle Seelig and Jessica Seelig-Failla, are optimistic about the team’s prospects. The Flames have historically faced tough competition in season openers but aim to break their streak of challenges with a victory over Richmond. Liberty holds a favorable 6-11 record against Richmond, having won the last three encounters, including a dominant 7-0 performance at home in March 2024.
The Flames seek to replicate or surpass their 2024 success, which saw them achieve a second-place finish in the CUSA Men’s Tennis Championship and a semifinal run at the UTR Sports NIT Championships. With six athletes boasting a .500 or better record in the fall, the Flames are well-positioned for a strong start to the 2025 season.
The Flames’ journey begins on Saturday, and fans are eagerly anticipating the potential for another memorable chapter in the team’s history.
The Liberty Flames men’s tennis team’s preparation for the 2025 season underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in sports. The influx of new talent, combined with the experience of returning players, presents an opportunity for growth and success. As the Flames prepare for their opening match against Richmond, it serves as a reminder that each season offers a fresh start and the chance to rewrite the narrative. The team’s achievements in the fall, particularly the historic doubles victory at the NCAA Individual Championships, highlight the significance of perseverance and teamwork. Moving forward, the Flames must continue to build on their strengths and embrace the challenges ahead, setting the stage for a promising future in collegiate tennis.