Collegiate tennis has been a cornerstone of the USTA National Campus in its first six months of operation, headlined by the partnership between the National Campus and the University of Central Florida.

The Knights have made the USTA National Campus their own, with the campus’ Collegiate Center serving as the home court for the UCF men’s and women’s tennis programs.

“It’s kind of the most unique and best outdoor facility in the country,” said UCF Director of Tennis John Roddick said. “It’s a great place to showcase college tennis, and we’re thrilled to be the home team.”

Roddick, brother of former American tennis star Andy Roddick, serves as the head coach of the men’s program. In the first year of his tenure, the UCF men had a historic season, earning their first-ever at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. It was UCF’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 2005 and came on the heels of its run to the American Athletic Conference Championship match, also held at the USTA National Campus.

In addition to playing all of their home matches at Lake Nona, the Knights were involved in the USTA’s marquee College MatchDay series, which drew more than 5,000 fans to the campus throughout the spring. UCF defeated Penn State, 4-3, in a thrilling, come-from-behind win that was televised on ESPN3.

The partnership took another step in April, as the National Campus was awarded the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2019 and 2021, of which the UCF will serve as the official host university.

“As Orlando’s hometown team, UCF is thrilled to be a part of bringing even more elite level NCAA championship action to the area,” said UCF Vice President & Director of Athletics Danny White. “The USTA National Campus has so much to offer coaches, student-athletes and fans participating in these great events.

“We’re thrilled to call the National Campus our home for UCF tennis. I’m sure all the teams who are fortunate enough to play in these events will have a wonderful experience. It’s a win for all involved. Thanks to the USTA and the Central Florida Sports Commission for leading the charge to bring these championships to our area.”

The USTA is proud to have the University of Central Florida as a partner and looks forward to continued success both on and off the court.

“It’s going to transform UCF tennis,” Mark Wright, UCF’s executive senior associate athletics director, said following the grand opening of the facility in January. “The ability to have people, recruits, fans come and take in a tennis match helps spread the message about what we have going on at UCF.”