Darrshan Suresh Kumar was named the Summit League Men’s Tennis Newcomer of the Year, league officials announced on Apr. 23 as part of the conference’s all-league honors ahead of championship weekend.
The recognition highlights Suresh Kumar’s impact during his freshman season with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks men’s tennis team. He became only the fourth player from North Dakota to receive this award, following Leo Galliano, Nikita Snezhko, and Nejc Sitar.
Suresh Kumar posted a 3-2 record at No. 2 singles in conference play and finished with a 14-8 overall singles record for the season. His performance included two three-set victories and a key win against Illinois State that secured North Dakota’s spot in post-season competition. In doubles, he played across all three courts and achieved a cumulative record of 13-6, including a notable 10-2 mark at No. 2 doubles.
In addition to his newcomer award, Suresh Kumar received an honorable mention on the Men’s All-Summit League team. Teammate Leo Galliano joined him among all-conference honorees after earning selection for a second consecutive year. Galliano moved into North Dakota’s top singles position this season and compiled an overall singles record of 17-2 with only one conference loss to nationally-ranked Denver.
The Fighting Hawks will begin post-season play at 6 p.m. Friday when they face Oral Roberts in the semifinals of the Summit League Men’s Tennis Championship.
