Sören Signs with Men’s Tennis – Fall 2026

Rainbow warriors Secure Transfer of Dominant Tennis Player Sören Grandke

A highly decorated athlete is heading to Hawai’i: the University of Hawai’i men’s tennis program has announced the signing of graduate transfer Sören Grandke,set to join the team in the fall of 2026. the 6-foot-7 right-hander from Dreiech, Germany, brings a proven track record of success and is expected to make an immediate impact on the Rainbow Warriors.

A Rising Star Joins the ʻOhana

Head coach Hendrik Bode expressed his excitement about the addition, stating, “We’re stoked to welcome Sören to the Rainbow warrior ʻOhana for the fall of 2026.” Grandke arrives in Honolulu after a standout career at Azusa Pacific University, a Division II institution, where he weary one year of eligibility.

Impressive Collegiate Record

Grandke’s performance at Azusa Pacific quickly established him as a force in collegiate tennis. In 2024, he was named the PacWest Freshman of the Year, boasting an extraordinary 21-2 record in singles play and an 18-3 mark in doubles. This performance was instrumental in leading the Cougars to a conference championship. He became only the seventh player in Azusa Pacific history to achieve 20 or more singles wins in a single season as a freshman.

The previous season saw Grandke continue his dominance, compiling a 26-2 record while primarily competing at the No. 2 singles position. He also demonstrated versatility in doubles, achieving a 19-8 overall record while partnering with five different teammates.

Did you know? – Sören Grandke’s impressive 26-2 record in his second season at Azusa Pacific showcased his ability to consistently perform at a high level, even while adapting to different doubles partners.

What Grandke Brings to Hawai’i

Bode emphasized the qualities that made Grandke a priority recruit. “coming from a winning culture at Azusa Pacific, he’s a proven competitor with a strong record of success,” he said.”Throughout the recruiting process, it became clear that he’s not only a great player but also a great person and teammate, qualities we value highly within our program.”

The coach also highlighted Grandke’s physical attributes and potential. “At 6’7″, Sören brings a ton of upside with his serve and a commanding presence on court.We look forward to seeing him develop and make an immediate impact in our program.”

Pro tip – A player’s height can be a meaningful advantage in tennis,particularly with serving and net play,allowing for greater reach and angles.

The addition of Grandke signals a clear intent by the University of Hawai’i to elevate its men’s tennis program and compete at the highest levels.

Why: The University of Hawai’i men’s tennis program is aiming to elevate its competitiveness and has secured a highly skilled transfer in Sören Grandke to achieve this goal.

Who: Sören Grandke, a 6-foot-7 right-handed tennis player from Dreiech, Germany, is the transfer student. Hendrik Bode is the head coach of the Rainbow Warriors.

What: The University of Hawai’i has signed Sören Grandke, a graduate transfer from Azusa Pacific University, to join the men’s tennis team in the fall of 2026. Grandke brings a decorated collegiate record, including being named the PacWest Freshman of the Year in 2024.

How: Grandke’s impressive performance at Azusa Pacific, with records of 21-2 in singles and 18-3 in doubles in 2024, and 26-2 in singles and 19-8 in doubles the previous season, caught the attention of Coach Bode. His proven success, strong character, and physical attributes made him a priority recruit. The transfer is expected to provide an immediate impact on the Rainbow Warriors’ program.

How did it end? The article concludes with the signing being finalized and Grandke expected to join the team in the