Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

2024-25 ITA Scholar Athletes

July 23, 2025 - Following a successful season on the court, including a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Regular Season and Tournament Championships, the North Central College men's tennis team had five student-athletes honored as Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar Athletes.

Justin Penados, Henry Ros, Matt Crossland, Philipp Wottgen, and Rafael Lessa each claimed the awards by maintaining a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher during the 2024-25 academic year.

Crossland, a journalism major,  is now a three-time ITA Scholar Athlete, becoming just the ninth player since 2009 to earn the honor three or more times. On the court, he posted a 3-1 mark in singles play and a 2-1 record in singles action. 

Lessa, a finance and economics major, is a two-time recipient of the award. He was also honored this spring with a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection. He went 14-11 in singles play and 12-12 in doubles action during the 2024-25 season.

Penados, an exercise science major, excelled in doubles play for the Cardinals, posting a 14-9 mark overall with a 5-1 record in conference play. Ros, a biology major, went 13-8 in singles play with a 6-3 mark at the No. 6 position. Wottgen joined the squad for the spring season, with a 7-7 mark in singles play. The neuroscience major tallied a 12-8 mark in doubles action, winning both matches at the No. 1 spot.

North Central begins the 2025 fall season on Sept. 5 by competing in the annual CCIW Fall Invite. The two-day event is hosted by Carthage College at Smeds Tennis Center and features flighted play for singles and doubles competition.

Download the free North Central Cardinals app, available for iOS and Android devices, to receive up-to-the-minute news, scores, and updates on your favorite North Central teams. Click HERE for more information.