Wallace State Men’s Tennis Finishes 8th Nationally at NJCAA DI Championship

Florence, S.C. — The Wallace State Community College Men's Tennis Team delivered a strong showing at the 2025 NJCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship, finishing 8th in the nation after a week of intense competition at the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence Tennis Center.

Led by standout performances across both singles and doubles brackets, the Lions showcased their depth, resilience, and competitive spirit on the national stage.

"We are incredibly proud of our Men's Tennis team for their outstanding performance at the national championship," said Kristen Holmes, Wallace State Vice President for Students. "Their dedication, sportsmanship, and perseverance exemplify the values we uphold at Wallace State. Finishing 8th in the nation is a remarkable achievement, and we celebrate each student-athlete and Coach Garner for representing our college with excellence."

"I couldn't be prouder of this group of young men," said Coach Garner. "They've worked hard all season, supported each other, and competed with heart and integrity. Finishing 8t in the nation is a testament to their commitment and the strengt of our porgram. It's been an honor to coach them."

Tournament Highlights:

James Edley (2-2) reached the quarterfinals in both singles and doubles, showing consistency and grit throughout the tournament. He was later named an All-American by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) for NJCAA Men's Singles. He was also named the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Player of the Year.

Alexander Edley (3-2) advanced to the semifinals in singles and quarterfinals in doubles. As the No. 2 seed in singles, Edley notched straight-set victories before falling in a hard-fought three-set semifinal. In doubles, he and partner Zac Riley reached the quarterfinals at #2

Angel Gautier (5-2) rebounded from a Round of 16 singles loss to win five straight matches, capturing the Consolation Final with a dominant 8-0 victory. He also reached the quarterfinals at #1 doubles with James Edley.

Axel Le Ho (2-1) made a strong run to the semifinals in the Men's Singles 4 division, including a gritty three-set win in the quarterfinals.

Zac Riley (2-3) reached the Round of 16 in singles and the quarterfinals in doubles with Alexander Edley. He also picked up a win in the consolation bracket.

Jean Badenhorst (1-1) reached the quarterfinals in singles, earning a win in the Round of 16 before falling in a competitive three-set match to the No. 3 seed.

Ferran Bonastre (2-1) and Jace Moody (2-1) teamed up in the men's double third seed bracket, advancing to the semifinals. The third-seeded duo battled through a tough quarterfinal before falling to the No. 2 seeds in the semis.

Coach Tim Garner leads both the men's and women's teams at Wallace State, He was named the ITA Junior College Men's Coach of the Year and was also named the ACCC Men's Tennis Coach of the Year.

The men's and women's teams excelled off the court as well, with 22 members earning a place on the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Commissioner's Honor Roll and 10 recognized as NJCAA All-Academic recipients. Both teams were recognized as an NJCAA All-Academic Team of the Year and by the ACCC Commissioner's Honor Roll for teams.