MOSCOW, Idaho -- Idaho men's tennis head coach Daniel Hangstefer announced two additions to the program for the 2023-24 season. Mexican native Sebastian Medica and Taiwanese local Yu–Shun (Austin) Lai signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI) to play tennis at the University of Idaho.

"Overall, this is a solid incoming class," Hangstefer said. "Both guys are quality individuals and they also care about their academics. I believe our program is well-positioned for success with these two coming in."

Hailing from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Medica will begin his collegiate tennis career with the Vandals as a true freshman. Off the court, he graduated from Home Life Academy in Jackson, Tennessee. 

In the ITF Junior Singles Rankings, Medica is currently ranked No. 412 in the world and was rated as high as No. 244. 

"Sebastian is a top-notch guy and a great athlete," Hangstefer stated. "It was clear during our conversations that he absolutely loves and embraces 'the battle.' I cannot wait for him to join our team!"

Lai, a New Taipei City, Taiwan native joins the Vandals as an incoming freshman and is the second recruit to commit in the 2023 signing class. 

He competed at Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School in Taipei City, where he was voted a three-year team captain, helped lead the team to a National High School Games title and went on to win a National High School Games singles championship. 

"Yu-Shun Lai (goes by Austin) is tremendously talented," Hangstefer said. "He's got great technique and ability, and comes with great credentials. He will add a ton of great depth to our program."

The Idaho men finished the season 15-9 with a 5-2 Big Sky record. The Vandals won three matches in three days, defeating Montana (4-0), Sacramento State (4-3) and Northern Arizona (4-3) en route to the program's fifth conference title in the last eight seasons since rejoining the Big Sky in 2015.

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