Walnut, Calif. – The Mt. San Antonio College Men's Tennis Team opens the new season with one of its deepest rosters in recent years, as head coach Lee Shiomoto welcomes 16 student-athletes ready to compete, grow, and push the program forward.

"The numbers are phenomenal," Shiomoto said. "We're carrying 16 athletes this year, and they're all really good guys who work well together. My biggest challenge is figuring out how to put them all in matches to keep everyone motivated and engaged."

With only six players able to compete in each dual match, rotation and opportunity will be a key focus for the Mounties throughout the season.

"We'll have to move guys around," Shiomoto said. "It's important to get them into matches. If they're playing, they stay motivated— that's how you keep athletes invested in the season and the program."

Mt. SAC returns four experienced players from last season—Ephember Alfaro Arias, Zayniddin Khusainov, Micah Welch, and Jarred Millan—while the rest of the roster features a large group of newcomers who have already made a positive impression.

"We have a whole group of brand-new players, but they're good," Shiomoto said. "They work well together and get along really well on the court."

The Mounties also enter the season in a new conference, a transition that brings both challenges and opportunities. While the level of competition will be elevated, the move also aligns the men's and women's programs and improves travel logistics.

"We didn't know we were switching conferences until late in the summer," Shiomoto said. "But it's good that the men and women are in the same conference now, and the travel is much better—not as far."

Shiomoto expects several new combinations to anchor the doubles lineup this season. Freshmen Benjamin Villalobos (Fullerton) and Rick Sun (Los Osos) are projected to compete at the No. 1 doubles spot, while Daniel Ochoa (Baldwin Park) will pair with returning standout Micah Welch at No. 2. Returning duo Jarred Millan and Zayniddin Khusainov will hold down the No. 3 doubles position after serving as the Mounties' top doubles team last season.

Looking ahead, Shiomoto is focused on competitiveness, development, and building a foundation for sustained success.

"If we can pull out some matches, I think the guys will be happy," he said. "They're going to compete against some of the best teams in the state, and that experience matters."

With a roster heavy on local talent, Shiomoto believes the Mounties are building something strong from the ground up.

"I really like this group," he said. "If I can keep them together and get them to commit to next year, we'll be able to build on this and be stronger moving forward."

After posting a 7–10 record in 2025, the Mounties begin the new season with depth and a clear focus on growth—setting the stage for continued progress within the program.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.