As spring returns in Baton Rouge, both LSU men’s and women’s tennis enter the heart of the season carrying lessons from last year, renewing expectations for what lies ahead.
While the two programs took different paths during the 2024-25 spring campaign, both showed flashes of competitiveness that now serve as the foundation for growth in a demanding SEC landscape.
Men’s Tennis: Turning Potential into Results
The LSU men’s tennis team heads into the spring focused on converting individual success into consistent team wins. Last season was defined by competitive efforts against some of the nation’s best, but also by narrow losses that kept the Tigers from climbing the SEC standings. Despite those challenges, the pieces are in place for a step forward.
Last spring, LSU demonstrated it could compete point-for-point with ranked opponents, particularly early in matches. Doubles play sets the tone, while singles lineups show resilience even when matches are tilted away late.
Veteran leadership remains at the core of the lineup, with experienced players anchoring both singles and doubles.
A key part of that foundation is junior Alessio Vasquez, one of LSU’s most experienced returners. Vasquez was a steady presence in last spring’s lineup, often tasked with handling crucial singles matches against ranked SEC opponents.
His ability to stay composed in tight moments showed up in crucial moments, and ended his season. Named ITA Player to Watch, he defeated No. 19 Sebastian Gorzny in a 6-4, 6-4 match and has a 13.3 UTR ranking.
What the Tigers are looking to improve this season is consistency – closing out matches, winning the pivotal third set and finding ways to turn tight contests into team victories. With a deeper lineup and players who have already faced the grind of SEC play, LSU enters the spring more battle-tested and better equipped to handle pressure moments.
As conference play unfolds, the Tigers’ ability to establish momentum early in matches will be key. If LSU can secure the doubles point more frequently and rely on its experienced returners in singles, the team has a chance to change the narrative from last spring and make meaningful strides in the standings.
Women’s Tennis: Confidence Built on Balance and Depth.
On the women’s side, LSU enters the spring with confidence built from a strong 2024-25 campaign. The Tigers finished last season with a winning overall record and proved that LSU could compete with top-tier opponents throughout SEC play. That balance–both across the singles lineup and in doubles–became a defining strength.
One of the central figures behind that success is sophomore Cadence Brace, a new veteran presence who delivered consistently last spring. Brace posted a 12-4 singles record during the 2025 season and emerged as one of the most reliable competitors as just a young freshman in high-pressure situations.
Her poise and competitiveness made her a fixture in close dual matches, often swinging momentum in the Tigers’ favor. Her experience has been especially valuable in helping younger players adjust to the intensity of conference play.
She became the fourth Tiger in program history to earn both double and singles All-American honors, posting a 11.63 UTR ranking while also qualifying for the U.S Open.
Last spring showcased LSU’s depth. Rather than relying on one or two players, the Tigers found success throughout the lineup, allowing them to adapt to different matchups and withstand the grind of SEC play.
Doubles play consistently provided early momentum, while singles performances across the order kept LSU competitive in tight contests.
That identity has carried into this season. With veteran leadership and a clear tone set on and off the court, the Tigers have continued to show they can challenge nationally ranked opponents.
The next step for LSU women’s tennis lies in sustaining that level across the entirety of the SEC schedule. In a league where margins are razor-thin, execution in decisive moments–whether in a third-set tiebreak or a deciding double court–will shape postseason positioning.
LSU’s men’s and women’s tennis programs reflect a shared theme entering the spring: growth through experience.
Last season provided both teams with valuable lessons against elite competition, and this year offers the opportunity to put them into practice.
For the men, players like Vasquez represent the push to translate potential into results and find consistency against conference opponents. For the women, Brace’s young leadership anchors a team built on balance, depth and confidence.
As the spring schedule intensifies, LSU tennis is positioned for compelling matchups, high-level competition and the chance to make noise when it matters most. The work put in last spring has set the stage and now it’s about finishing.
