BOISE, Idaho — The Boise State men's tennis team is headed to the NCAA tournament for the second-straight year after claiming back-to-back Mountain West championships.
In many ways, the déjà vu is setting in for head coach Luke Shields' squad. The Broncos (20-10) are returning to Tucson, the same site as last year, to take on the same team, the 11th-ranked Arizona Wildcats (24-3).
Last year's trip marked Boise State's first tournament bid in eight years, an accomplishment in itself in Shields' first year at the helm. The Broncos set their sights higher in 2024, challenging themselves with tougher non-conference competition and are now eager to showcase the program's growth.
"I believe this is the best tennis community in the country, and I believe that we can reach the mountain top," Shields said. "Yeah, we're kind of at the early stages of this, but we've shown what we're capable of these first two years. Our goal – each semester, each year – is to keep growing, keep developing and become the best version of ourselves. I think the best version of ourselves is to compete with the very best."
While squaring off with Arizona on Friday for the second consecutive year may not be an exciting, new experience, it's still a shot for Boise State to prove itself against a Pac-12 powerhouse.
It's also an opportunity for the Broncos to avenge their 4-0 loss to the Wildcats last spring. The winner of Friday's bout will meet either Auburn or Pepperdine.
"We're definitely a stronger team from last year," junior James Van Herzeele said. "Last year, everything was new, it was a first experience. Everyone was stressed, a little nervous. I feel like we are a completely different team this time … Our season has been packed with great matches, great teams, good competition and I think we're coming into it with a different type of confidence."
Shields has the same goals now as he did when he played for Boise State – he wants the Broncos to contend for national titles – and the progression has been swift.
In addition to back-to-back Mountain West championships and NCAA tournament appearances, the Broncos also boast an undefeated record at home this season. Boise State played 13 matches against nationally-ranked opponents.
On player development, Boise State has the largest increase of universal tennis rating of any college program. The Broncos eye their first tournament win since 2009 on Friday in Tucson.
The team that stands in their way is coached by Shields' brother, Clancy Shields, a former Boise State standout himself. While getting the win is what matters most, the sibling rivalry certainly adds a little bit extra to the matchup.
"Of course there's always that chatter, you know, my brother's better at talking smack than anyone," Luke Shields said. "But we've had thousands of battles over our career and it's just another one. It's really about the student-athletes and I think my brother would say the same. I think we're going into it with a different mentality as far as, we're hungry to get to that next level and I think we have a team that is capable of playing at a higher level."
Click here for more information on Boise State's matchup with Arizona and the NCAA tournament.
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