BOCA RATON, Fla. – As the Spring 2026 season approaches, the Lynn University men's tennis team enters the year with increased depth, high-level newcomers, and expectations of competing in one of Division II's toughest conferences under longtime head coach Mike Perez.

The Fighting Knights were picked sixth in the Sunshine State Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, a reflection of the league's national strength rather than a lack of confidence within the program.
 

"It's not how you start the race; it's how you finish," said Perez. "We have a really strong conference, and I'd rather start sixth and finish higher than start higher and finish lower."

Lynn returns several key contributors from last season, led by senior Aymen Alimoussa, who enters his final semester with the program. Alimoussa emerged as one of the team's most reliable singles players last spring and has continued to grow into a leadership role.

"Aymen is in his last semester, so you know he's going to give his all," Perez said. "He's gained a lot of experience here, and I think it's all going to come into fruition for him this year."

The Fighting Knights added significant firepower at the top of the lineup with the arrivals of Division I transfer Filip Avdeev and junior college standout Victor Alves, one of the top JUCO players in the nation last season.

"They're really solid players—very talented and very athletic," Perez said. "We're really happy to have them in the fold." Senior Davide Cortimiglia, an All-SSC performer, also returns after providing steady doubles production last season. Perez expects Cortimiglia to take another step forward in singles play.

"He's a really steady force," Perez said. "We know what we'll get from him in doubles, and he looks a little bit more advanced at this time of the year. I think we're going to get more from him in singles."

Additional depth comes from Division I transfer Louay Makke, whose athleticism adds versatility throughout the lineup. Perez believes the overall talent and athleticism of this year's squad could make a difference over the course of the long SSC season. 

"I think we're a stronger team than last year in terms of talent," Perez said. "Now it's about discipline, staying healthy, and taking care of the things we can control." 

The Fighting Knights open the Spring 2026 season on the road against Ave Maria on Friday, Feb. 6 at 2:00 p.m.