University of Houston Wins National Championship at 2024 ITA National Wheelchair Tennis Championships

The University of Houston made history by capturing the national championship at the 2024 ITA National Wheelchair Tennis Championships, solidifying their status as the premier team in collegiate wheelchair tennis. In a thrilling showdown against No. 1 San Diego State, the No. 3 Cougars emerged victorious after a grueling three-hour match at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida.

Led by the dynamic duo of Jose Arriaga and Nicholas Tijerina, the UH team showcased exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the tournament. Arriaga and Tijerina secured the doubles match with an 8-6 victory, setting the stage for Arriaga to clinch the title with a hard-fought 6-2, 5-7, 10-6 win in the first singles match.

“We were kind of the plucky underdogs, and there were a lot of institutions ranked ahead of us early in the season,” said Michael Cottingham, associate professor of health and human performance and director of Adaptive Athletics at UH. “But Nick and Jose had a really great run, and it’s exciting for us to have that first national championship.”

Head Coach Gabriel Gutierrez, a UH alumnus, was instrumental in guiding the team to victory and was rightfully awarded ITA Wheelchair Coach of the Year. The triumph at the national championships not only highlights UH’s prowess in wheelchair tennis but also underscores the university’s commitment to providing top-notch athletic training and academic excellence.

Looking ahead, Cottingham envisions a bright future for the UH program, with plans to establish a fully funded scholarship for a student-athlete through the One Step Closer Foundation. Additionally, UH will host the ITF Junior Camp of the Americas this summer, showcasing the talents of the best 11-18-year-old wheelchair tennis players from around the world.

“Our goal is to be a destination program, and with the resources we’re putting in place, I’m excited for the future,” Cottingham expressed. The national championship victory not only cements UH’s reputation as elite competitors but also serves as a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering success both on and off the tennis court.