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Men's Tennis MSU Athletics Communications

Mikeal Carpenter Lands at #17 in the ITA Atlantic Region

BALTIMORE, Md. (June 11, 2025) – Mikeal Carpenter's name will forever be synonymous with Morgan State University tennis excellence. The senior from Suitland, Md., capped off his collegiate career in spectacular fashion, achieving a milestone that had previously eluded all Morgan State men's tennis players: a place in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's (ITA) regional rankings for singles play.

Carpenter earned the impressive No. 17 ranking in the highly competitive Atlantic region's year-end rankings, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer on the court. This historic achievement marks a significant turning point for the program and sets a new standard for future Morgan State tennis athletes.

"The ITA Rankings Algorithm is based on an accumulation of win points and loss points, accounting for a win-loss record, the strength of schedule, and the depth/significance of wins and losses," as stated on ITA's website.

Morgan State head coach Matthew Townes lauded Carpenter's impressive accomplishment, emphasizing its historical importance for the program.
"Having this final top 20 ITA regional ranking for Mikeal is the cherry on top of a very sweet career," Townes stated. "He's the first player in program history to achieve this, and he did it through hard work and commitment to excellence."

Townes expressed his hope that Carpenter's success would catalyze future players, adding, "Now that he's opened the door, we are hoping he won't be the last to earn this."

Carpenter's recognition alongside 19 other student-athletes from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. highlights the concentration of athletic talent within the region. As one of only two representatives from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Carpenter stands out amongst a field heavily populated by larger conferences. The presence of four opponents from the Sun Belt, three from Conference USA, and representation from the Atlantic 10 and Big East showcases the diversity of athletic programs in the area.
Notably, the Atlantic Coast Conference dominates the list with eight athletes, including a significant contingent of six players hailing from the University of Virginia.

Carpenter's achievement not only marks a personal triumph but also signifies a significant milestone for the university's tennis program, elevating its visibility and setting a new benchmark for future players to aspire to.
 



During the spring season, Carpenter once again cemented his place as a dominant force in the conference, earning the prestigious title of MEAC Player of the Year for the second time in his impressive career. Firmly establishing himself as the Bears' dominant force in number one singles, Carpenter finished the season with a 15-1 overall record. His near-flawless performance speaks volumes about his talent on the court.

Carpenter was virtually untouchable in conference play during the regular season, boasting a perfect 4-0 record against his rivals, further solidifying his reputation as the player to beat. His stellar performance extended into the postseason, where he was deservedly named to the MEAC All-Tournament team, capping off an exceptional year.


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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

 
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Players Mentioned

Mikeal Carpenter

Mikeal Carpenter

6' 1"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Mikeal Carpenter

Mikeal Carpenter

6' 1"
Senior