In a moment that will be etched in University of Virginia tennis history, freshman and JTCC alumnus Stiles Brockett delivered a heroic performance to clinch the decisive point in the Cavaliers’ thrilling 4-3 upset over #1-ranked University of Texas on February 2.
In front of an electrified home crowd in Charlottesville, VA, Brockett showcased resilience and composure, turning the tide for Virginia in one of the most intense matches of the season.
With the Cavaliers trailing 3-2, the pressure mounted with no margin to spare as the final two singles matches neared a conclusion.
At the #1 singles match, 2024 JTCC ITF Boys’ champion Rafael Jodar fought off three match points to secure a crucial three-set win, tying the overall match score at 3-3.
All eyes then shifted to Brockett, who found himself locked in a grueling battle in the #5 singles match. After dropping the opener 4-6, Brockett dug deep, fighting back to claim the final sets 7-5, 6-3. The victory over #116 Lucas Brown marked Brockett’s first ranked win of his collegiate career.
“The energy of the match was unbelievable. There were a lot of fans, and the atmosphere was electric,” Brockett reminisced. “Having the opportunity to play in a match like that was amazing, and to clinch a match like that is what you dream of in college tennis. To win for my team and share that moment with my teammates was special, but it’s just one match, and there’s a lot of tennis left to play this season.”
Brockett is joined on the UVA varsity by fellow JTCC alumni RJ Fresen (senior) and Stefan Regalia (sophomore).
