Valparaiso University men’s tennis coach Jim Daugherty has announced two additions to the program for the 2019-2020 academic and athletic year.

Oscar Mendoza (Guayaquil, Ecuador / Interamerican Academy) and Philipp Leithold (Esslingen, Germany / Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium) have signed to join the program as freshmen this fall. 

Mendoza has been competing in tennis since age 8 and owns multiple national championships in his native Ecuador. He has competed in many South American countries and has been selected to represent Ecuador four times in the South American Tournament. He owns a 3.94 grade point average.

Among Mendoza’s many athletic accomplishments was winning the Arequipa Junior Open in doubles in August 2018, finishing as the runner-up in singles in the Arequipa Junior Open in 2018, finishing as the national runner-up in 18U doubles in August 2016 and finishing as a national semifinalist in 18U.

“Oscar has had extensive tournament experience from an early age,” Daugherty said. “It has paid off for him as he was able to develop steadily through each age group. He is a great all-court player and will contribute heavily in both singles and doubles.”

As of fall 2018, Leithold is ranked No. 450 in national men’s rankings, No. 96 in U18 rankings and No. 7 in his state. He was the U18 outdoor regional champion and the U18 indoor regional runner-up. During the 2018 fall season, he won at the SportScheck U18 Cup Munich, the Main Round Dunlop-Circuit Men’s Tournament and the UTB Cup U18 Esslingen.

“Phillip has shown tremendous improvement over the last few years,” Daugherty said. “His best tennis is definitely in front of him based on how he has climbed rapidly through the rankings. He also brings a high IQ in both singles and doubles.”

Leithold and Mendoza will join a team that is expected to have seven of its eight current players return for the 2019-2020 campaign.

“Both players come across in an extremely positive manner,” Daugherty said. “Their strong work ethic is evident in their extensive tournament play and in their attitude toward practice. We’re thrilled to welcome these players into our program.”