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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In an exciting development for Belmont University men’s tennis, head coach Jeff Cero has officially welcomed two promising newcomers to the program as the Bruins gear up for their spring championship season. Sophomore transfer Stefan Vedovelli, hailing from Trento, Italy, joins the team from Utah State University, a member of the Mountain West Conference, while freshman Esteban Ortiz arrives from the picturesque town of La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland. Both athletes are set to join the Bruins in Music City this winter and will be eligible to compete starting in January.
With the addition of Vedovelli and Ortiz, the Bruins’ roster has expanded to a total of 10 players for the upcoming spring season.
During his tenure at Utah State, Vedovelli predominantly occupied the No. 6 singles position and paired up for the No. 2 doubles slot. He played a crucial role in helping the Aggies secure the Mountain West regular season championship and finish the year with an impressive overall record of 18-5. In dual matches last spring, Vedovelli achieved a remarkable 10-1 record in doubles, highlighted by a powerful 9-1 performance at the No. 2 position.
“I’m very excited for Stefan to join the Bruin family this winter and know he is as excited to get to work and compete alongside the guys,” remarked coach Cero. “He brings a lot to the table and no doubt, he’s going have a big impact on the team as a whole. Not only that, but Stefan brings the right mindset and is a hard worker and competitor. I’m excited to see him fit in well with our team for years to come.”
Vedovelli achieved his high school diploma through Education World Wide online, showcasing his dedication to both academics and athletics. He demonstrated significant talent on the ITF (International Tennis Federation) Junior Tour, where he garnered a world ranking as high as No. 464. His recent summer was spent competing in various ITF M25 and M15 tournaments, and he shone brightly in his hometown, reaching the finals of the prestigious Open di Natale in Trento, where he notably defeated two ATP-ranked opponents.
Ortiz, who graduated from Gymnase de Bienne et du Jura bernois in Biel, Switzerland, has been honing his skills at the Swiss Tennis Academy for six years. He, too, has been active on the ITF Junior Tour, achieving notable success by reaching three different ITF junior doubles finals between August 2022 and September 2023.
“When I first met Esteban, it was very clear that he knew how to work hard and respect the process that it takes to be a great player,” spoke coach Cero. “He’s very responsible and carries himself very well as an athlete and as a person. I know that will lead Esteban to great things while he is at Belmont and I’m excited for him to step on court this spring.”
The Bruins recently concluded their fall tournament schedule, entering the spring championship season with an impressive pedigree. They have clinched the Horizon League South Division title in each of their first two years competing in the league and boast a remarkable three-straight conference regular season championships. The team has also extended its winning streak to 19 consecutive matches in conference play, dating back to the 2022 season. Notably, for seven consecutive seasons, the Bruins have maintained a winning record.
As they prepare for the 2025 campaign, the Bruins will kick off their season on Saturday, Jan. 11, against nationally-ranked Tennessee. This matchup marks their first return to Knoxville since battling the Volunteers in the opening round of the 2023 NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship.
How to Follow
Stay connected with Belmont men’s and women’s tennis across social media channels – @BelmontMTennis and @BelmontWTennis on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as @belmontmtennis and @belmontwtennis on Instagram. You can also find updates on Belmont Women’s Tennis on Facebook. For comprehensive coverage and updates on all of Belmont’s athletic programs, download the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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**Interview with Stefan Vedovelli, New Belmont Bruins Tennis Player**
**Interviewer:** Stefan, congratulations on joining the Belmont University men’s tennis team! How does it feel to transition from Utah State University to Belmont?
**Stefan Vedovelli:** Thank you! It feels incredible. I’m excited for this new chapter in my tennis career. Belmont has a strong program, and I’m looking forward to contributing and competing at a high level alongside my new teammates.
**Interviewer:** You had a successful tenure at Utah State, where you helped secure a regular season championship. What lessons or experiences from your time there do you plan to bring to Belmont?
**Stefan Vedovelli:** At Utah State, I learned the importance of teamwork and resilience. Being part of a championship team taught me how to push through challenges and support my teammates. I want to bring that competitive spirit and work ethic to Belmont as we aim to achieve our goals this season.
**Interviewer:** Coach Cero has mentioned your hard work and competitive mindset. How do you cultivate that mentality, especially in high-pressure situations?
**Stefan Vedovelli:** It all comes down to preparation and passion for the game. I set specific goals for myself and train hard to achieve them. In high-pressure matches, I focus on my breathing and stick to my game plan. I believe maintaining a strong mental focus is key to performing well.
**Interviewer:** You’ve showcased significant talent on the ITF Junior Tour and even earned a world ranking. How has competing internationally shaped your approach to the sport?
**Stefan Vedovelli:** Competing internationally has been invaluable. It exposed me to different playing styles and helped me adapt my game. The experience taught me to stay composed and strategic on the court, and I believe that will serve me well at the collegiate level.
**Interviewer:** Coming from Italy to the U.S., how has your experience been in adapting to a new environment, both on and off the court?
**Stefan Vedovelli:** There have been challenges, but I embrace them as part of my journey. The cultural differences are noticeable, but I’ve made great friends and feel welcomed. On the court, the style of play is a bit different here, but I enjoy learning and adapting my game.
**Interviewer:** What are your personal and team goals for the upcoming season with the Bruins?
**Stefan Vedovelli:** Personally, I aim to improve my rankings and performance in singles and doubles. As a team, I believe we have a strong chance to compete for the conference title. I want to contribute to a positive team dynamic and help us achieve our best possible results.
**Interviewer:** what do you hope to achieve beyond tennis during your time at Belmont?
**Stefan Vedovelli:** I want to focus on my academic pursuits and build meaningful relationships. I aim to grow both as an athlete and a person, taking advantage of all the learning opportunities that come my way. Developing a well-rounded experience is really important to me.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Stefan, for sharing your thoughts! We look forward to seeing you and the Bruins in action this spring.
**Stefan Vedovelli:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and can’t wait to get started.
