University of Tennessee Athletics
Adrien Abarca Signs With Vol Tennis
November 13, 2025 | Men's Tennis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Head Coach Chris Woodruff announced Thursday that Adrien "AJ" Abarca has signed with the Tennessee men's tennis team. Abarca will begin competing for the Vols during the 2026-27 season.
"As a coaching staff, we couldn't be more excited to add Adrien to our squad next fall," associate head coach Matt Lucas said. "Getting to know him and his family through the process showed exactly what we look for. He's humble, hardworking, intelligent, athletic, loves tennis and is a proven winner. He's a blue-chip recruit and has been one of the best in his class for years. We cannot wait to get him to Rocky Top."
Abarca is ranked as the 37th-best player in the 2026 class and the No. 13-ranked prospect in California, per Tennis Recruiting Network. Additionally, Abarca holds an ITF rating of 16.4 and a UTR rating of 11.44.
The five-star recruit currently holds an ITF junior ranking of 727, with his highest ranking being 524 in juniors.
Abarca posts a long juniors resume that includes being a finalist in 16s doubles at UTSA Boys Nationals and the Easter Bowl, and a fourth-place finish in singles at the USTA National Clay Court Championships. All of which are USTA National Championships.
The Chula Vista, California, native possesses an overall record of 20-11, including a record of 10-2 versus five-star recruits. Most of the wins came from contests on hard surface.
With Wednesday being the first day of the signing period, Abarca is the initial member of the 2026 signing class for the Vols.
For the most up-to-date information about the program and to follow along with the action, follow Tennessee men's tennis on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook.
"As a coaching staff, we couldn't be more excited to add Adrien to our squad next fall," associate head coach Matt Lucas said. "Getting to know him and his family through the process showed exactly what we look for. He's humble, hardworking, intelligent, athletic, loves tennis and is a proven winner. He's a blue-chip recruit and has been one of the best in his class for years. We cannot wait to get him to Rocky Top."
Abarca is ranked as the 37th-best player in the 2026 class and the No. 13-ranked prospect in California, per Tennis Recruiting Network. Additionally, Abarca holds an ITF rating of 16.4 and a UTR rating of 11.44.
The five-star recruit currently holds an ITF junior ranking of 727, with his highest ranking being 524 in juniors.
Abarca posts a long juniors resume that includes being a finalist in 16s doubles at UTSA Boys Nationals and the Easter Bowl, and a fourth-place finish in singles at the USTA National Clay Court Championships. All of which are USTA National Championships.
The Chula Vista, California, native possesses an overall record of 20-11, including a record of 10-2 versus five-star recruits. Most of the wins came from contests on hard surface.
With Wednesday being the first day of the signing period, Abarca is the initial member of the 2026 signing class for the Vols.
For the most up-to-date information about the program and to follow along with the action, follow Tennessee men's tennis on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook.
Everything Orange S2 | Shunsuke Mitsui (Men's Tennis)
Thursday, May 08
MTN | Johannus Monday Tennessee Tribute
Friday, June 21
MTN | Chris Woodruff Media Availability (5.14.24)
Tuesday, May 14
Everything Orange | Johannus Monday (Men's Tennis)
Thursday, May 02
