GILBERT, Ariz. (June 3, 2025) - Lubbock Christian University men's tennis continues to rewrite the record books, with redshirt sophomore Kelly Giese and sophomore Pablo Segura becoming the first ITA All-Americans in program history. The honors were announced by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) for the 2024-25 season, following a landmark year for the Chaparrals.
 
The ITA awards All-American status to student-athletes finishing in the top 20 of the national singles rankings or the top 10 of the national doubles rankings. Giese and Segura were each recognized in singles, with Giese finishing the year ranked No.10 nationally and Segura at No.15.
 
The historic individual achievements reflect a meteoric rise for the LCU program, which just completed its third season of its rebirth. The Chaparrals finished 25-3 on the year, capturing their first Lone Star Conference Championship tournament title and making a third consecutive NCAA postseason appearance. Their postseason run culminated in a trip to the NCAA Division II national semifinals, making LCU the first Texas-based men's program to reach the Final Four since Texas State in 1984, and the only private university among this year's national semifinalists.
 
Giese, a native of Manhattan Beach, Calif., capped off a decorated season by earning Lone Star Conference Player of the Year honors and a spot on both the All-LSC First Team in singles and doubles. The redshirt sophomore compiled a 24-9 singles record, including a 19-7 dual mark with 14 victories at No.1 singles. He went undefeated (8-0) in LSC play and notched seven wins over nationally ranked opponents. Giese also posted a 21-11 doubles record and was named the ITA South Central Region's Most Improved Player. His season was highlighted by a 14-match win streak from March to May.
 
Segura, from Playa del Carmen, Mexico, authored a dominant campaign of his own. The Lone Star Conference Tournament MVP closed the season with a 30-5 singles record—the first 30-win singles season in program history—and went 22-2 in dual matches, primarily at the No.2 line. Segura also tied the program's single-season doubles wins record with 22 and ends his sophomore year as LCU's all-time leader in singles victories (57) and winning percentage (.851). He earned All-LSC First Team honors in singles and was named the ITA South Central Player to Watch.
 
The Chaparrals ended the season ranked No.6 nationally in the final ITA team rankings, setting a new high-water mark for the program. With Giese and Segura returning to lead the charge, LCU looks poised to continue its rapid ascent among the nation's elite.