When Andy Brisdon arrived at UNK, he wasn’t just joining a team; he was helping rebuild one. Men’s tennis was cut in 2018 as part of a campuswide reduction caused by budget cuts.
Despite the setback, the program was revived for the 2023-2024 season with the support of an anonymous donor. As part of the first recruiting class brought in to revive the men’s tennis program, Brisdon and his teammates were starting from scratch. Far from his hometown of Manchester, England, he quickly formed strong bonds with teammates who were navigating the same transition.
“We were all in the same boat,” Brisdon said. “We had all left home and really only had each other. That built a really strong bond between us.”
While the move to the United States came with challenges, Brisdon said the biggest adjustment was not language, but distance. With a six-hour time difference from home, staying connected with family has not always been easy.
“It’s still hard with a six-hour time difference,” Brisdon said. “It makes it difficult to communicate back home sometimes.”
On the court, however, Brisdon quickly adapted to the team-focused nature of college tennis, something that differs from the primarily individual format in England.
“Here, it’s like playing for a team every weekend,” Brisdon said. “That’s something I really enjoy.”
That team-first mindset has played a role in UNK’s success this season, including a key 4-3 win over No. 33 Ouachita Baptist. In the match, Brisdon and his doubles partner Ivan Melnik secured a 6-3 victory over a nationally ranked opponent, helping UNK claim the doubles point.
Brisdon followed with a straight-set win in singles, contributing to the narrow victory.
Scott Shafer, UNK tennis coach, said performances like that highlight Brisdon’s ability to handle pressure.
“Andy has ice in his veins when it comes to pressure,” Shafer said. “He’s able to block everything out and focus on what he needs to do to win.”
Brisdon said his approach in tough matches is to keep things simple.
“Sometimes people overthink,” Brisdon said. “I try to focus on basic things and just make the other person play.”
Off the court, Brisdon balances a demanding schedule as a finance major. His days often begin with early morning workouts, followed by classes, practice and studying.
“Academics is always first for me,” Brisdon said.
That balance has helped him mature both as a player and as a person.
“I realized I’m more mature than I thought,” Brisdon said. “Coming here and having to do everything myself, it’s helped me grow up.”
His development has translated into success, particularly in doubles. Brisdon and Melnik are currently ranked No. 9 nationally in Division II, putting them in position for All-American recognition.
“We complement each other well,” Brisdon said. “He’s got a big serve, and I’m strong at the net.”
Despite individual success, Brisdon’s focus remains on the team. With postseason play approaching, he hopes to help UNK reach regionals and beyond.
“I want us to make regionals and hopefully nationals,” Brisdon said.
For Shafer, Brisdon’s impact goes beyond wins.
“He’s a leader by example,” Shafer said. “He prepares the right way, competes the right way and sets the standard.”
As one of the few remaining players from the program’s first recruiting class, Brisdon has helped lay the foundation for UNK men’s tennis. The legacy he hopes to leave is simple.
“I want to be someone my team can rely on,” Brisdon said. “Someone who never gives up.”
