Two standout student-athletes from Michigan State University's men’s tennis team have been recognized for their exceptional achievements both on the court and in the classroom. Ozan Baris, a junior, and Max Sheldon, a senior, were named to the Academic All-District® team by College Sports Communicators. This prestigious honor celebrates athletes who excel academically while maintaining high performance levels in sports.
Ozan Baris, hailing from Okemos, Michigan, is a communication major with an impressive GPA of 3.787. His athletic prowess was acknowledged with First Team All-Big Ten honors after securing 23 singles victories this season. Meanwhile, Max Sheldon, originally from Arlington Heights, Illinois, graduated this spring with a degree in finance and a GPA of 3.569. Sheldon made history at MSU by setting a new program record with 170 all-time combined wins. He also earned All-Big Ten Second Team recognition, contributing significantly to the team's success with 26 singles wins during the 2024-25 season.
The Spartans had a commendable year, concluding their campaign with a 17-10 record. They advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, marking their third appearance in the tournament since 2013. Their overall performance has accumulated 40 wins over the past two seasons, the highest back-to-back win total since the 2012-13 academic year when current head coach Harry Jadun was still a player.
These accomplishments highlight the dedication and hard work of both athletes and the entire team. As they continue to represent Michigan State, Baris and Sheldon exemplify the balance between academic excellence and athletic achievement that defines collegiate sportsmanship.
