STILLWATER, OK – The Oklahoma State University men’s tennis program is bolstering its roster with the addition of German standout Sydney Zick, head coach Dustin Taylor announced Monday. The signing marks a significant step in the Cowboys’ rebuilding efforts, as they look to regain prominence in collegiate tennis. Zick, currently ranked 704th in the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) world rankings, is expected to bring a high level of skill and competitive experience to Stillwater.
The addition of Zick is particularly noteworthy given his junior accomplishments and extensive college recruitment process. He currently holds the No. 162 spot in the ITF Junior Rankings, demonstrating his potential on the international stage. Zick has secured junior titles at the J60 Maribor in 2023 and the J60 Oberpullendorf in 2024, accumulating a record of 56 wins, with 27 of those coming on hard court surfaces. This success underscores his adaptability and proficiency across different playing conditions.
A Highly Sought-After Recruit
What sets Zick apart isn’t just his on-court performance, but as well his meticulous approach to finding the right collegiate program. According to Oklahoma State Athletics, Zick visited more colleges than any other recruit in the history of college tennis before ultimately choosing the Cowboys. This thorough evaluation process suggests a deliberate and thoughtful decision, indicating a strong commitment to OSU and its tennis program.
“It’s a really special day for Cowboy Tennis when you sign the likes of Sydney Zick,” Coach Taylor said in a statement released by the university. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome him to Stillwater and the Cowboy Tennis Family.” Taylor emphasized Zick’s character and mental fortitude, stating, “Not only are we adding one of the most highly touted and skilled players in the 2026 class, but we are also adding a player who has the character and grit that is needed to compete at the highest of levels.”
Rebuilding the Cowboy Tennis Program
The arrival of Zick comes at a crucial time for Oklahoma State men’s tennis. Recent seasons have presented challenges for the Cowboys, with the team currently navigating a rebuilding phase. A recent article in The O’Colly, Oklahoma State’s student newspaper, highlighted the team’s 2-6 start to the season – their worst under Coach Taylor – and the departure of several key players last season, including Tyler Zink, Alex Garcia, Leighton Allen, and Goran Zgola. The O’Colly reported that Taylor is now focusing on building a foundation with a new class of freshmen.
Despite the early-season struggles, there are signs of progress. The Cowboys secured a 7-0 victory over Saint Louis in their home opener, with the freshman class playing a key role. Freshmen Ian Bracks, Nicolas Kobelt, and Matei Onofrei all secured wins in that match, and Onofrei teamed up with Ben Stecker to win a doubles point. Coach Taylor noted the freshmen’s ability to embrace the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd, a quality he believes is essential for success.
Zick’s Impact on the Future
Zick is expected to join the Cowboys for the 2026-27 season, providing a significant boost to the program’s talent pool. Taylor believes Zick’s “competitiveness and edge is built for college tennis,” and anticipates a seamless transition for the German player. The addition of a player with Zick’s international experience and proven track record could be instrumental in elevating the Cowboys’ performance and attracting future recruits.
The Cowboys’ recent 4-0 win at Seattle, where Bracks and Stecker paired up to win a doubles court and each secured a singles win, demonstrates the potential of this young team. Oklahoma State Athletics announced that Zick’s arrival will further strengthen the team’s competitive edge.
Fans can follow Cowboy Tennis on Instagram and X for season-long coverage and updates. The program will continue to provide information on its website, okstate.com, as the 2026-27 season approaches.
The next key date for Cowboy Tennis will be the release of the full 2026-27 schedule, expected in the late summer of 2026. This schedule will provide a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the team, including Zick’s debut as a Cowboy.
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