Clifton Awuy Guides University of the Pacific Men’s Tennis into a New Season

The University of the Pacific men’s tennis program enters the 2026 season with a distinct advantage: continuity. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Clifton Awuy, the team is not starting from scratch but rather building upon a foundation of proven success. With a roster featuring seven returning players, the Tigers are positioned to leverage their experience and refine the culture that led to a 15-win season and a tie for second place in the 2025 West Coast Conference standings.

Building on a Proven Foundation

For Coach Awuy, the transition from assistant to head coach has been seamless. Having spent the previous two years as an assistant, he was already deeply embedded in the team’s dynamics and standards. This internal promotion has allowed the program to avoid the typical reset period that often accompanies a coaching change.

“Being able to retain nearly the entire group has been a huge advantage,” Awuy stated. “There’s already a proven culture in place—one that emphasizes accountability, competitiveness and daily professionalism—and the players genuinely believe in it.”

This continuity means the team can immediately focus on refinement rather than redefinition. The trust between players and coaches is established, and the expectations are clear. The primary objective now is to elevate the habits and performance that have already yielded positive results.

Player Development and Leadership Transition

The roster’s experience is a critical asset. Four players have consistently played crucial roles in Pacific’s matches, providing a stable core for the team. Among them is rising junior Christof Schaertlin Coffey, a marketing major who posted an impressive 11-3 singles record and an 8-5 doubles record on court one last season.

With the graduation of key leaders like Justas Trainauskas and Ran Amar, Schaertlin Coffey has stepped into a more prominent leadership role. He credits the former Tigers for teaching him the importance of accountability and leading by example.

“I learned quite a bit from Ran and Justas,” Schaertlin Coffey said. “The most important thing I learned was holding everyone accountable and making sure everyone is onboard. I saw what it means to lead by example every single day—their professionalism, how they prepare and how consistent we need to be no matter the situation.”

Offseason Growth and Mental Fortitude

The extended offseason has been instrumental for player development. Coach Awuy noted that the team has dedicated time to strength, conditioning, and tennis-specific training, resulting in noticeable physical and mental gains.

“They’re stronger, more confident and more comfortable competing at the college level, and that should translate into more maturity and impact in matches,” Awuy explained.

Rising sophomore Vraj Patel, a biology major, exemplifies this growth. After a standout freshman year with an 11-0 doubles record, Patel focused on refining his game for the collegiate level. “Prior to Pacific, my power was one of my main weapons, but I learned quickly in college that everyone can hit big,” he said. “So instead of trying to finish points early, I focused on staying physical, extending rallies and building points the right way. That adjustment has helped my game take a big step forward.”

Patel also highlighted improvements off the court, particularly in time management and balancing academic responsibilities with athletics—a challenge for any student-athlete. His efforts have paid dividends, as the men’s tennis team posted the highest GPA in the athletics department for the fall 2025 semester with a 3.71, maintaining a cumulative team GPA of 3.60.

Strategic Outlook for the Season

The combination of experienced leadership, a cohesive culture, and focused offseason development creates a strong strategic outlook for the University of the Pacific men’s tennis team. The program’s recent national ranking, placing in the top 60 in each of the last two seasons, sets a benchmark for continued progress.

For prospective student-athletes and fans, this season represents an opportunity to see a program that values stability and incremental improvement. The team’s schedule will be a test of their refined skills and mental toughness.

Explore the full men’s tennis schedule and follow the team’s progress this season.

Conclusion: A Season of Refined Ambition

Under Clifton Awuy’s guidance, the University of the Pacific men’s tennis program is not embarking on a new journey but rather continuing a successful one with greater clarity and purpose. The focus is on leveraging continuity to achieve higher levels of performance, both on the court and in the classroom. As the season unfolds, the Tigers are poised to demonstrate how a strong foundation, when consistently refined, can lead to sustained success in the competitive landscape of collegiate tennis.

Next Steps for Aspiring Athletes

If you are a high school athlete interested in competing at the collegiate level, understanding the importance of culture, leadership, and academic balance is crucial. The University of the Pacific’s men’s tennis program exemplifies how these elements contribute to a successful student-athlete experience.

Have questions about the program or the recruitment process? Contact the University of the Pacific Athletics Department for more information.