SMU Lands Five-Star Avner Wong For 2026

SMU men’s tennis just added serious firepower for 2026, landing five-star recruit Avner Wong, a nationally ranked prospect with international miles, a pro-level training background and the kind of résumé that doesn’t need much dressing up.

Wong, an Indiana/Florida standout, will join the Mustangs in the fall of 2026.

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He’s ranked No. 1 in Indiana and No. 37 nationally in the Class of 2026 by Tennis Recruiting, owns a 12.4 UTR and already holds a 350 ITF ranking despite starting on the ITF circuit at age 18.

That’s not your average college signing. That’s a player who’s already been testing himself beyond the junior tennis bubble.

Head coach Grant Chen made it clear SMU isn’t just getting a talented racket.

“Avner possesses the rare trifecta as a hard-working individual who values excellence on the tennis court and in the classroom,” Chen said.

Wong has been playing since age four and has consistently ranked among the top players regionally and nationally.

He’s captured multiple USTA Level 2 and Level 3 titles in singles and doubles, while also competing at major junior events like Kalamazoo, National Clay Courts and Eddie Herr International.

The edge in Wong’s development comes from his global path.

Over the last two years, he’s trained and competed in 11 countries under ATP coach Daniel Yoo, who also worked with Korean pro Soonwoo Kwon, once ranked No. 52 in the world.

Wong has even served as a training partner for professional players in Korea and across Asia.

In August 2025, Wong made his first professional main draw appearance at the ITF M25 level and has continued playing Futures events while preparing for college tennis.

Off the court, he graduated from ICL Academy with a 4.1 GPA and plans to study Sports Management at SMU, with future MBA goals.

“I chose SMU because of the coaching staff’s unwavering commitment to helping me grow as a player, and the incredible resources and top-tier training facilities,” Wong said. “I believe SMU is the perfect place to take my game to the next level.”

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For SMU, this isn’t just a recruiting win.

It’s a statement that The Hilltop wants more than local buzz. The Mustangs are bringing in a player with national ranking, international reps and a professional mindset.

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