Chambana Sun

Head coach Brad Dancer and senior Kenta Miyoshi from the University of Illinois have received ITA Division I Men's Regional awards, as announced by the organization. Dancer has been named the ITA Midwest Region Coach of the Year for the third time, while Miyoshi has earned ITA Midwest Region Player to Watch honors.

During the 2025 season, Dancer led the Fighting Illini to their 18th NCAA Tournament appearance in his 20-year tenure. The team finished with 15 victories, marking their 18th season with at least that many wins under his guidance. They reached the quarterfinals of the conference tournament and secured seven Big Ten regular-season wins, including three away games. At home, they maintained a record of 7-2.

Dancer's previous accolades include Midwest Region Coach of the Year titles during the 2014-15 and 2020-21 seasons. In those years, he guided Illinois to significant achievements such as a 27-5 finish in 2014-15 and a Big Ten regular-season and tournament title win in both seasons.

Miyoshi had an outstanding season in 2025 under Dancer's mentorship. He was recognized as an ITA Singles All-American after his debut at the NCAA Singles Championship. The Kawasaki native was also named Big Ten Player of the Year and achieved unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors. He ended his junior year with a career-high of 30 singles wins, including victories against ranked opponents.

With a No.10 spot in final ITA singles rankings, Miyoshi qualified for ATP Next Gen Accelerator program opportunities on the pro circuit through wild-card entries into Challenger tournaments.

Academically successful as well, Miyoshi became the first student-athlete from his program to earn CSC Academic All-America First Team distinction.

The ITA Player to Watch award is given to players expected to excel in their upcoming collegiate year and be among top regional players returning next season.

Both Dancer and Miyoshi are now contenders for national awards featuring candidates from all thirteen ITA regions.