New Braunfels, Texas – The 2026 American Southwest Conference Men’s Tennis All-Conference Awards have been announced following a vote by head coaches and sports information directors. Hardin-Simmons junior
Payne Smith has been named the Most Valuable Player, headlining the awards, released by the conference Tuesday.
Smith finished the regular season 11-6 at the Flight 1 singles position and 3-0 in conference play, earning Most Valuable Player honors. The junior was also named to First Team Doubles at Flight 1 after finishing 11-5 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Smith recorded several key wins during the season, including a victory over nationally ranked Southwestern (Texas).
Mark Armbruster proved to be a strong addition for the Tigers, earning Newcomer of the Year honors after a standout season. Armbruster competed at the No. 2 doubles position, finishing 2-1 in conference play. He also played at the No. 3 spot in singles.
Gabriel Harris was named Freshman of the Year for Hardin-Simmons following an impressive debut season. Harris finished 2-1 in conference play at the No. 3 singles position and went 3-0 at No. 1 doubles. He also reached the quarterfinals at the ITA tournament, defeating both the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds along the way.
Mary Hardin-Baylor head coach
Daniel White was named ASC Coach of the Year after leading the Cru to an undefeated conference season and a regular season championship. White finished the season 10-6 overall, coaching five players who earned All-Conference honors.
2026 ASC All-Conference Awards
Individual Awards
| Most Valuable Player |
Payne Smith, Hardin-Simmons |
| Newcomer of the Year |
Mark Armbruster, East Texas Baptist |
| Freshman of the Year |
Gabriel Harris, Hardin-Simmons |
| Coach of the Year |
Daniel White, Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Sportsmanship Team of the Year
| Benjamin Beaudin |
Fr. |
Howard Payne |
| Brandon Curiel |
Sr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
| Alec Rule |
Sr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
| Sam Black |
Sr. |
East Texas Baptist |
First Team
| Singles |
|
|
|
| Flight 1 |
Payne Smith 2 |
Jr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
| Flight 2 |
Jaco Snyman 2 |
So. |
East Texas Baptist |
| Flight 3 |
Edgar Calva |
Sr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
| Flight 4 |
Erick Van Zyl 3 |
Jr. |
East Texas Baptist |
| Flight 5 |
Baptiste Berthier 2 |
So. |
East Texas Baptist |
| Flight 6 |
Max Karseno 2 |
Sr. |
East Texas Baptist |
Doubles |
|
|
|
| Flight 1 |
Payne Smith 2 |
Jr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
|
Gabriel Harris |
Fr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
| Flight 2 |
Kell Castleberry |
So. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
|
Vince Rivas |
Fr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
| Flight 3 |
Edgar Calva |
Sr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
|
Alec Rule |
Sr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Second Team
| Singles |
|
|
|
| Flight 1 |
Davi Savi |
Fr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
| Flight 2 |
Maddux Foster 2 |
So. |
Hardin-Simmons |
| Flight 3 |
Gabriel Harris |
Fr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
| Flight 4 |
Brandon Curiel 2 |
Sr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
| Flight 5 |
Alec Rule |
Sr. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
| Flight 6 |
Kell Castleberry |
So. |
Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Doubles |
|
|
|
| Flight 1 |
Max Karseno 2 |
Sr. |
East Texas Baptist |
|
Sam Black 2 |
Sr. |
East Texas Baptist |
| Flight 2 |
Erick Van Zyl 3 |
Jr. |
East Texas Baptist |
|
Mark Armbruster |
Jr. |
East Texas Baptist |
| Flight 3 |
Brandon Curiel 2 |
Sr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
|
Pedro Rozani |
Fr. |
Hardin-Simmons |
3 – Three-time All-Conference selection
2 – Two-time All-Conference selection