The University of Stirling men’s tennis team clinched the 2024/25 BUCS National League title with an undefeated season, reaffirming their dominance in UK university tennis.
This achievement solidifies Stirling’s dominance in university tennis, as the team now holds all four BUCS men’s national titles: the National League, National Championship, singles, and doubles.
The team, led by captain Liam Hignett and comprising Robert Cowley, Cameron Fryer, Kyle McKay, and Patrick Young, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the season.
They sealed the championship with a commanding performance, including a crucial win over Nottingham and a 4-2 victory against Durham.
The squad finished the season with eight wins and two draws, an impressive feat that underlines their skill and resilience.
Scott MacAulay, Lead Tennis Coach at the University of Stirling, praised the team’s achievements.
“For them to hold all four national titles at the same time is an impressive accomplishment. The players have put in incredible performances across the season, and going undefeated is testament to their training, focus, and determination. We are excited to see what the rest of the season holds as we aim to finish the year on a high.”
This triumph is just the latest in a series of successes for Stirling’s tennis program.
Hignett recently won a silver medal with Great Britain at the prestigious Master’U BNP Paribas tournament, which is regarded as the top international event in university tennis.
Meanwhile, fellow student Anna McBride continued her winning streak by claiming her third consecutive women’s singles title at the Australian Open’s Intellectual Disability Championships.
Stirling last won the BUCS National League title in 2021/22, finishing as runners-up in the past two seasons.
This latest triumph adds to the doubles title won earlier this season by Hignett and Cowley, as well as Hignett’s singles title and last season’s BUCS Championship Cup victory.
The team’s success further cements Stirling’s status as a leader in university tennis.
David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, also commended the players.
“Congratulations to the men’s tennis team on their undefeated, title-winning season in the BUCS National League. To be champions in such a competitive league is an excellent achievement, but to do it without losing a match is even more remarkable.”
The University of Stirling, recognised as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, continues to nurture elite athletes through its International Sports Scholarship Programme.
This initiative offers funding support, academic flexibility, access to world-class facilities, and coaching and has supported numerous athletes who have gone on to compete at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and other elite competitions.
Looking ahead, Stirling’s men’s team will now focus on upcoming challenges, including the BUCS Championship Cup quarterfinals on February 26 and the singles finals from March 21-23.
With momentum on their side, they aim to cap off an already historic season with further success on the national stage.
Feature Image Credit: BUCS