Players Mentioned
Al Wermer enters his 29th season leading the UT men's tennis program.
Preseason Q&A with Head Coach Al Wermer
1/15/2026 11:15:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Wermer looks to lead Rockets back to the top of the MAC in 2026
Head Coach Al Wemer enters his 29th season at the helm of the Toledo men's tennis program. The Rockets return seven letterwinners from last year's squad while bringing in two freshmen and one transfer student. After missing out on a MAC Championship spot in 2025, the Rockets look to return to the top of the league in 2026.
What stands out to you about this team and this upcoming season coming out of the fall slate?
Wermer: What stands out to me so far is the depth of our team. By returning many players from last year, we don't have much fall off in the lineup which will help our depth be really good. We also have a larger team this season with 10 players which aids in the depth of the team. The other thing that stands out to me is the enthusiasm from each athlete. They are a really engaging group and very excited to get the season going.
You are bringing back seven players from last season who saw time playing. Besides the energy and enthusiasm they have, what else do they bring to the table?
Wermer: I think they guys have a pretty bad taste in their mouth after last season. I think that's kind of a chip on their shoulder, especially after winning back-to-back conference championships in 2023 and 2024 and then not making the tournament last season. This team does not want that to happen again, so they have that in the back of their minds. I think that's the benefit, with so many returners that we are all in the same boat last year and want to make a big difference this year.
You bring in three newcomers - two freshman and one transfer. What are looking forward to seeing from them this season?
Wermer: I think that freshman AJ Sidoti and transfer Alejandro Gonzalez will both give us an immediate boost in doubles play. They are both really competitive guys who go out on the court and give it their all. They are good fighters and very positive during play. Pannawat Suttisomboon joined the team at the winter break and I am excited to see him work alongside the whole group. Again, just adding overall depth with the three newcomers is going to be big for our team.
Can you comment on your schedule for the season, especially the non-conference portion, and what challenges your team is going to face?
Wermer: That's why guys come here, they want to play against good competition. Our schedule is one of the cornerstones of our program and it's a good measuring stick and a good challenge. Regardless if you win or lose, you are able to expose important things about your team which will help down the line and throughout the season.
You also brought in a new graduate assistant coach, Hiroki Fujita. What can you tell us about him?
Wermer: Hiroki is a very insightful guy. He is very smart and he is very patient with all of the players. He is also very good tactically, which our athletes have already benefited from by having Hiroki on the sidelines during the fall.
What is one interesting tidbit about your team?
Wermer: We have five guys on our current roster from the southern hemisphere.
Throughout my time at Toledo, I've had a lot of athletes from Chile. Many of the guys playing at a high level in Chile know one another, which has really helped in our recruiting. The same thing can be said with our athletes from Thailand. When the players know one another from competing in their home countries, they trust one another's opinions. Their families talk to each other and share what a great experience these guys have at Toledo. It's a really cool thing as we've continue to grow the program.
What are you most looking forward this season?
Wermer: I'm most looking forward to seeing if we can play to our potential because I believe we have a lot of it. I want to see if we can stay healthy and play to our highest capability. That's ultimately what any coach asks of his team at the beginning of their season.
What stands out to you about this team and this upcoming season coming out of the fall slate?
Wermer: What stands out to me so far is the depth of our team. By returning many players from last year, we don't have much fall off in the lineup which will help our depth be really good. We also have a larger team this season with 10 players which aids in the depth of the team. The other thing that stands out to me is the enthusiasm from each athlete. They are a really engaging group and very excited to get the season going.
You are bringing back seven players from last season who saw time playing. Besides the energy and enthusiasm they have, what else do they bring to the table?
Wermer: I think they guys have a pretty bad taste in their mouth after last season. I think that's kind of a chip on their shoulder, especially after winning back-to-back conference championships in 2023 and 2024 and then not making the tournament last season. This team does not want that to happen again, so they have that in the back of their minds. I think that's the benefit, with so many returners that we are all in the same boat last year and want to make a big difference this year.
You bring in three newcomers - two freshman and one transfer. What are looking forward to seeing from them this season?
Wermer: I think that freshman AJ Sidoti and transfer Alejandro Gonzalez will both give us an immediate boost in doubles play. They are both really competitive guys who go out on the court and give it their all. They are good fighters and very positive during play. Pannawat Suttisomboon joined the team at the winter break and I am excited to see him work alongside the whole group. Again, just adding overall depth with the three newcomers is going to be big for our team.
Can you comment on your schedule for the season, especially the non-conference portion, and what challenges your team is going to face?
Wermer: That's why guys come here, they want to play against good competition. Our schedule is one of the cornerstones of our program and it's a good measuring stick and a good challenge. Regardless if you win or lose, you are able to expose important things about your team which will help down the line and throughout the season.
You also brought in a new graduate assistant coach, Hiroki Fujita. What can you tell us about him?
Wermer: Hiroki is a very insightful guy. He is very smart and he is very patient with all of the players. He is also very good tactically, which our athletes have already benefited from by having Hiroki on the sidelines during the fall.
What is one interesting tidbit about your team?
Wermer: We have five guys on our current roster from the southern hemisphere.
Throughout my time at Toledo, I've had a lot of athletes from Chile. Many of the guys playing at a high level in Chile know one another, which has really helped in our recruiting. The same thing can be said with our athletes from Thailand. When the players know one another from competing in their home countries, they trust one another's opinions. Their families talk to each other and share what a great experience these guys have at Toledo. It's a really cool thing as we've continue to grow the program.
What are you most looking forward this season?
Wermer: I'm most looking forward to seeing if we can play to our potential because I believe we have a lot of it. I want to see if we can stay healthy and play to our highest capability. That's ultimately what any coach asks of his team at the beginning of their season.
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