Exciting News for Men's Tennis: Sören Joins the Team for Fall 2026!
HONOLULU—In a thrilling announcement, Hendrik Bode, the head coach of the University of Hawai'i men's tennis team, revealed that graduate transfer Sören Grandke will be joining the Rainbow Warriors in the Fall of 2026. Hailing from Dreiech, Germany, Grandke stands tall at 6 feet 7 inches and is a right-handed player poised to make a significant impact on the team.
Sören is making the transition from Azusa Pacific University, where he played at the Division II level and still has one season of eligibility remaining. His impressive track record includes being named the 2024 PacWest Freshman of the Year, during which he achieved an outstanding singles record of 21 wins against just 2 losses and complemented that with an 18-3 record in doubles. His performance was crucial in leading the Cougars to clinch the conference championship. Notably, he became only the seventh player in the history of Azusa Pacific to secure over 20 singles victories in a single season as a freshman. In the previous season, Grandke showcased his skills by finishing with a remarkable 26-2 record while primarily competing at the No. 2 singles position. He also enjoyed success in doubles, partnering with five different teammates to achieve a solid overall record of 19 wins and 8 losses.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome Sören to the Rainbow Warrior ʻOhana coming this fall of 2026," Coach Bode expressed. "His background in a winning environment at Azusa Pacific speaks volumes about his competitive spirit and proven success. Throughout our interactions during the recruiting process, it became clear that Sören is not only an exceptional athlete but also a phenomenal individual and teammate—traits we hold in high regard in our program. Standing at 6'7", he possesses tremendous potential with his powerful serve and commanding presence on the court. We eagerly anticipate witnessing his growth and the immediate contributions he will bring to our team!"
