Chambana Sun

Four student-athletes from the University of Illinois men's tennis team have been recognized with Academic All-District honors by College Sports Communicators. The announcement was made on Tuesday.

Kenta Miyoshi has received this distinction for the second year in a row, while Mathis Debru, Zach Viiala, and Jeremy Zhang are first-time honorees.

Eligibility for the award requires a minimum GPA of 3.50, sophomore standing both academically and athletically, participation in at least 70% of matches that include team scores, and being either a starter or an important reserve.

Debru is set to graduate with a degree in agricultural and consumer economics after his third season with the Illini. Miyoshi is pursuing a bachelor's degree in strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship during his third year at Illinois. Viiala remains undeclared in his studies, while Zhang is majoring in finance as a sophomore.

During his final season with the team, Debru achieved a singles record of 17-11 and secured 14 doubles victories. His performance included clinching a win against No. 12 Michigan on February 22.

Miyoshi was named the Big Ten Player of the Year for 2025 and earned unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors. He recorded 30 singles wins and added 14 doubles victories during the season.

Viiala completed his redshirt freshman year with an 18-13 singles record and climbed into ITA doubles rankings for the first time. He tallied six doubles wins against conference opponents.

Zhang finished his sophomore season with records of 11 singles wins and collected fourth-most doubles triumphs on the team.

The Fighting Illini concluded their season with a record of 15-12, reaching the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament and securing a spot in the NCAA Team Tournament.