Standouts from several universities are set to represent the USA Team in tennis at the 2025 World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. The event is recognized as the world’s second-largest Olympic sports event, featuring top collegiate athletes globally.
The international competition occurs every two years, attracting thousands of athletes from over 150 countries and includes 25 compulsory sports. The opening ceremony will take place on July 16, with tennis matches scheduled from July 17-26 at ETUF Tennisanlage in Essen, Germany.
SMU’s Jerry Barton and Trevor Svajda will participate alongside ACC Champion Nico Godsick from Stanford, UCLA’s Kate Fakih and Olivia Center, and Harvard’s Natalie Block.
Barton expressed his excitement about representing the country: “It is a dream come true to have the chance to represent our country at the international level. I look forward to wearing the Stars & Stripes and representing Team USA in Dusseldorf.” Barton had an 11-15 record during the season and was ranked as high as No. 94.
Svajda had a successful season as SMU’s No. 1 player with a 19-12 singles record. He achieved a career-high win against Carl Emil Overbeck from California.
UCLA’s Olivia Center and Kate Fakih were selected after posting a strong doubles record of 31-9. Center stated: “I am so honored to be selected to compete at the Summer World University Games.”
Stanford’s Nico Godsick contributed significantly with a singles record of 16-6 and expressed his enthusiasm for competing: “I am elated to head to Germany this July and represent USA at World University Games.”
Harvard’s Natalie Block will also join the team following her participation in Harvard’s Ivy League championship team.
SMU Head Coach Grant Chen will lead Team USA Tennis. Chen commented on the opportunity: “Tennis is such a global sport. I am proud to take these six athletes overseas and represent our country in an international competition.”
In addition to these athletes, SMU athletic trainer Hannah Letow will provide off-court support during their stay in Germany.
In previous years, both UCLA and SMU have been represented well at this event, including notable participation in Chengdu, China, in 2023.
The UniUSA delegation traveling to Germany includes over 500 participants across various sports disciplines. Coverage of the games can be accessed via FISU.tv with updates available on rhineruhr2025.com/en and through official social media platforms for UniUSA.
