Aiken High's Alex Hammel signs to Erskine College for reviving men's tennis program

Hammel, a standout player, will join Erskine's newly reinstated men's tennis team for the 2025-26 season.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Alex Hammel, a tennis player at Aiken High School, has signed to play for Erskine College's men's tennis program, which is returning after a six-year hiatus. Hammel's high school coach, Steve Smith, has praised Hammel's potential and work ethic, and Hammel is excited to join the close-knit Erskine team and contribute his leadership and energy.

Why it matters

Erskine College's decision to revive its men's tennis program after a six-year break is a significant development for the sport in the region. Hammel's signing represents an opportunity for the program to rebuild with talented student-athletes like himself, who are eager to be part of the team's resurgence.

The details

Hammel, who has played tennis at Aiken High School, was invited to a college prospect day at Erskine and was impressed by the close-knit team dynamic. He believes he can contribute leadership, accountability, and energy to the Erskine squad, which he knows will feature other skilled players. Hammel will miss the challenge of playing against tough competition at the high school level, but he is excited for the next chapter of his tennis career.

  • Erskine College's men's tennis program took a six-year hiatus following its 2018 season.
  • Erskine College's men's tennis program is returning in full swing for the 2025-26 season.
  • Alex Hammel signed to play for Erskine College on February 24, 2026.

The players

Alex Hammel

A standout tennis player at Aiken High School who has signed to play for Erskine College's revived men's tennis program.

Steve Smith

The boys and girls tennis coach at Aiken High School, who has praised Hammel's potential and work ethic.

Matt Shumate

The men's tennis coach at Erskine College, who invited Hammel to a college prospect day.

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What they’re saying

“I could tell from the beginning that he's very serious about tennis, he's very intense...he's had his ups and downs but I always knew that he was going to work hard. He's grown as a player and in life...it's great to see that. That's what you want to see in an athlete. I think he's going to be well-equipped for the future.”

— Steve Smith, Boys and girls tennis coach, Aiken High School (yahoo.com)

“Everyone was just really close with each other and they were like family, so I decided that's where I wanted to be.”

— Alex Hammel (yahoo.com)

“I know I'm not going to be the best player on the court because we have a lot of really good players that have committed, but I know that I bring a lot of leadership and accountability and energy. So I think that's what's going to bring the team together and make a family.”

— Alex Hammel (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Hammel will join Erskine College's revived men's tennis program for the 2025-26 season, where he hopes to contribute his leadership and energy to the team.

The takeaway

Erskine College's decision to revive its men's tennis program represents an exciting opportunity for talented student-athletes like Alex Hammel to be part of the team's resurgence. Hammel's signing demonstrates the program's ability to attract dedicated and skilled players who are eager to build a close-knit, competitive team.