Baylor Tennis Star Embraces Responsibility of Top Court

Junior Devin Badenhorst sees playing on Court One as a privilege and a chance to lead his team.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Many aspiring tennis players dream of playing at Center Court, and while it may not be at a Grand Slam, junior Devin Badenhorst of the Baylor men's tennis team welcomed the privilege and responsibility that comes with playing on Court One. Badenhorst has grown into the leadership role, realizing the added responsibility of being the top player and setting the tone for his teammates.

Why it matters

Playing on Court One is seen as a sign of leadership in college tennis, as the top player has the duty to compete against the best opponents and set an example for the rest of the team. Badenhorst's embrace of this role is important for Baylor as they gear up to face several top-10 opponents in the coming weeks.

The details

As a freshman, Badenhorst played on Court Three, just focused on showing up and playing. But he has since grown into the leadership role on Court One, understanding the added responsibility that comes with being the top player. Head coach Michael Woodson has seen Badenhorst take on this role while also continuing to improve as a tennis player. Woodson believes Badenhorst is ready for the challenge of facing the best players in the country over the next several matches.

  • Badenhorst played on Court Three as a freshman.
  • Baylor will face four top-10 opponents in the next month and a half.

The players

Devin Badenhorst

A junior on the Baylor men's tennis team who has grown into the leadership role of playing on Court One, the top singles court.

Michael Woodson

The head coach of the Baylor men's tennis team, who has seen Badenhorst take on the responsibilities of being the top player and believes he is ready for the challenge of facing the best opponents in the country.

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What they’re saying

“In college tennis, every spot is as important as can be, but you got to lead from the front. That's when you go up against the best guys in the country week in, week out.”

— Devin Badenhorst (baylorlariat.com)

“Devin has really learned a lot over these past couple years, and he's ready for that challenge. He's going to play the best players in the country over the next eight [to] nine matches.”

— Michael Woodson, Head Coach (baylorlariat.com)

What’s next

Badenhorst and the Baylor men's tennis team will face four top-10 opponents in the next month and a half, which will be a major test for the junior leader.

The takeaway

Badenhorst's embrace of the leadership role and responsibility that comes with playing on Court One sets an example for his teammates and will be crucial as Baylor faces a challenging schedule against some of the top programs in the country.