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The University of Houston celebrated a historic victory at the 2024 ITA National Wheelchair Tennis Championships, emerging as the national champions in collegiate wheelchair tennis. The triumph came after a thrilling showdown against No. 1 San Diego State, where the No. 3 Cougars displayed exceptional skill and teamwork to claim their first wheelchair tennis national title.
Leading the charge for UH were Jose Arriaga and Nicholas Tijerina, who secured the championship with a stellar performance. Arriaga sealed the victory with a hard-fought singles match, while the duo triumphed in the doubles match. Reflecting on their journey, Michael Cottingham, director of Adaptive Athletics at UH, remarked, “We were kind of the plucky underdogs... But Nick and Jose had a really great run and it’s exciting for us to have that first national championship.”
Head Coach Gabriel Gutierrez, recognized as the ITA Wheelchair Coach of the Year, played a pivotal role in guiding the team to success. Cottingham emphasized the significance of the win, stating, “This championship not only solidifies our position as elite competitors, but it shows prospective student-athletes that they can get top-notch tennis training along with great academics and an incredible college experience.”
Looking ahead, UH aims to elevate its wheelchair tennis program further, with plans for a fully funded scholarship and hosting the prestigious ITF Junior Camp of the Americas. Cottingham expressed optimism for the future, saying, “Our goal is to be a destination program, and with the resources we’re putting in place, I’m excited for the future.”
The victory not only marks a significant milestone for the University of Houston but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes seeking to combine athletic excellence with academic pursuits.