Men's Tennis | April 21
DeKALB, Ill. – Iker Gaztambide Arrastia of the Northern Illinois University men's tennis team has been named the 2026 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, the league announced today. Additionally, the senior was named All-MAC First Team alongside sophomore
Nikola Puntaric.
Gaztambide Arrastia had a standout final season with the Huskies, posting a 20-2 singles record and 17-7 doubles record, ranking as high at No. 63 in the ITA Division I Men's Tennis singles rankings and securing an upset win over No. 23 Kenta Miyoshi of Illinois in early March. He is the first NIU player to be named MAC Player of the Year since 2008 (Brian Livingston) and third ever (Willy Gali, 2005).
"Earning the MAC Player of the Year Award is a remarkable achievement for Captain Iker and the Huskie men's tennis program," said head coach Rene Vidal. "Entering the fall season ranked as the top player in the MAC, Iker was unfortunately sidelined by a wrist injury that kept him out of all singles competition. His ability to return in the spring, regain top form, and deliver consistently superior results speaks volumes about his resilience, discipline and competitive standard."
An All-MAC First Team selection in 2025, Gaztambide Arrastia is the first Huskie to earn back-to-back First Team honors since 2018-19 (Eric Marbach) and fifth to do so since 2006. The senior set a career-high in wins this dual season (37) and posted 43 during the 2025-26 year.
"Beyond the individual accolades, Iker has been a driving force in elevating our program — leading both on and off the court and helping propel the team to new heights," said Vidal. "His leadership, especially in the face of adversity, is a defining example of what it means to be a Huskie and lead at a championship level."
Puntaric claimed his first All-MAC First Team Honors after a 18-3 singles campaign and 14-6 record in doubles. The sophomore had 46 wins during the 2025-26 season thanks to a 14-win fall that included winning the MAC Indoors Singles Championship and Back Draw Co-Champion at the ITA Conference Masters.
"The immediate impact that Niki brought to this year's program is unprecedented," said Vidal. "With his competitive nature and elite pro example, Niki is the defining leader of Huskie men's tennis going forward."
Gaztambide Arrastia and Puntaric boasted a dominate 38-5 combined singles record this spring that included a 19-3 run in MAC play. The duo are the fourth Huskie teammates to each earn All-MAC First Team honors in a single season since 2015.
