Stetson Hatters Capture First ASUN Tennis Championship

Hatters defeat North Florida 4-3 in thrilling final match

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy blue, forest green, and golden yellow, capturing the dynamic movement and intensity of a tennis match.Stetson University's historic ASUN Championship victory showcases the team's resilience and potential for future success in collegiate tennis.Fort Myers Today

The Stetson University men's tennis team made program history on Saturday, defeating the University of North Florida 4-3 at the FGCU Tennis Complex to claim their first-ever ASUN Conference Championship title. The victory snaps the Hatters' previous 0-9 record in championship matches, delivering the team their long-awaited first conference crown.

Why it matters

This championship win marks a significant milestone for the Stetson men's tennis program, which has been working towards this goal for years. The Hatters' ability to overcome their past struggles and capture the ASUN title for the first time showcases the team's growth, resilience, and potential for continued success in the future.

The details

In the decisive match, Stetson's Maximilian Kuehne clinched the championship with a 4-3 victory in his singles match, capping off an intense back-and-forth battle between the two conference rivals. The Hatters' triumph ended North Florida's streak of three consecutive ASUN titles.

  • The ASUN Championship match took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Stetson University

A private university located in DeLand, Florida, known for its men's tennis program.

University of North Florida

A public university based in Jacksonville, Florida, with a strong men's tennis team that had won the previous three ASUN titles.

Maximilian Kuehne

A Stetson University men's tennis player who clinched the championship match with a 4-3 victory in his singles match.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic moment for our program. The team has worked so hard to get to this point, and I'm incredibly proud of their dedication and resilience.”

— Dr. Kristen Murtaugh, Stetson University Athletic Director

What’s next

The Stetson Hatters will now advance to the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship, where they will look to continue their successful season and make a deep run in the national tournament.

The takeaway

Stetson University's men's tennis team has achieved a significant milestone by capturing their first-ever ASUN Conference Championship, overcoming past struggles and showcasing their growth as a program. This victory not only celebrates the team's hard work and determination but also sets the stage for their upcoming appearance in the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Championship, where they will have the opportunity to further establish Stetson as a force to be reckoned with in collegiate tennis.