The RoundHouse | 2/7/2025 10:25:00 AM

By Paul Suellentrop

The freshmen are at Wichita State because they're serious about tennis. They are also young and new to the United States, so they bring that freshness and enthusiasm that can rejuvenate a team.
 
"Hungry," men's tennis coach Darragh Glavin said. "They're exciting to watch. Five new guys – they bring talent, but also hunger."
 
Wichita State (2-3) plays Texas Tech (3-3) at 1 p.m. today (Friday) at Genesis Rock Road. Glavin, entering his third season at WSU, believes the Shockers are deeper and more talented with returners at the top of the lineup and the infusion of newcomers.
 
"We were looking for guys who wanted to improve and develop," he said. "We know where we want to get to. The future looks bright."
 
Ilias Worthington, a freshman from England, has made the biggest impact of the newcomers. He is 2-1 at No. 4 singles and 0-1 at No. 5.
 
"He was a little bit underrated coming into college," Glavin said. "He's worked hard and put a lot of hours on the court. The results are not there yet, but I know they're going to come."
 
Worthington, like most of his teammates, came to Wichita State because the NCAA tennis system is more advanced than in their home countries. They miss family and friends, but the combination of athletics and academics is not normally available in their home countries.
 
Weight rooms, training and coaching is more prominent and professional in college tennis.
 
"That was always my goal," he said. "The level is better on a wider scale. There is good (competition) everywhere and the level here is higher because college tennis is super appealing."
 
 

Second dub of the year for the true freshman!#FearTheWheat🌾 #itdontmatter https://t.co/nqgBR56QKU pic.twitter.com/RgwsBqIhSi

— Wichita State Men's Tennis (@GoShockersMTEN) February 2, 2025

 
 
Freshman Zaid Al Mashni, from Jordan, arrived in Wichita in December. He has played in the fifth and sixth spots this spring. He estimates he will play 30 or 40 matches this spring, a much busier pace than usual for him.

"In Jordan, there is no way to become a professional player," he said. "There are not enough players, not enough practice, not enough tournaments. Here you have the best facilities, best coaches. So many matches."
 
Amir Milushev, from Uzbekistan, Luca Mindrut, from Romania and Arenui Luethi, a sophomore transfer from Switzerland, are the other newcomers on the roster. Worthington and Mindrut both won five singles matches in the fall to lead the Shockers. Luethi won five doubles matches in the fall to tie for the team lead with returners Kristof Minarik and Alejandro Jacome.
 
While the newcomers are adjusting to a new country and the importance of team play, their energy is noticeable.
 
"The guys need me for energy, sometimes," Worthington said. "I'm an energetic guy on the court. Super pumped. It's good for the team and good for college tennis."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.