June 4, 2026
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —
Ferris State University sophomore men’s tennis standout Jose Perez has been chosen as the national winner of the 2026 Intercollegiate Tennis Association
Most Improved Player Award.
Previously, Perez, a resident of Quito, Ecuador, was named the ITA’s Midwest Region
Most Improved Player before going on to win the national honor.
Perez was chosen as the national winner from among the group of eight players previously
selected as regional recipients of the honor.
After competing at the No. 5 singles position last season where he achieved a record
just above .500, this season Perez soared to new heights competing at the No. 2 singles
position and earning win after win. Going 22-2 across all matches this season, Perez
rose into the top 30 of the ITA Singles Rankings and recorded wins over many notable
opponents this season.
Every year, the ITA recognizes coaches and student-athletes for their excellence both
on the court and in their communities throughout the season.
The Division II national awards include: ITA Dunlop/Coach of the Year, ITA Assistant
Coach of the Year, Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award, ITA Rookie of the
Year, ITA Most Improved Senior, ITA Senior Player of the Year, and the ITA Player
to Watch.
This season, Perez helped lead the Bulldogs to a 19-4 overall record under head coach
Mark Doren. FSU won the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season
and tournament titles along with the Midwest Region crown.
Ferris State also made its first appearance in the NCAA DII Sweet Sixteen and the
national championships since 2017.
Perez becomes the second Bulldog standout in the last three years to claim the national
ITA Most Improved Player honor, following in the footsteps of former Bulldog Esunge
Ndumbe, who received the same honor in 2024.