MTEN | Cardiff Set to Bring in Three Freshmen for 2026-27 Season, Highlighting the 15th Ranked Mid-Major Recruiting Class by TRN
7/30/2026 10:45:00 AM | Men's Tennis
MORAGA, Calif. - Saint Mary's head men's tennis coach Dan Cardiff announces three freshmen to highlight his 2026-27 recruiting class. Cardiff and his 2026-27 class was recently ranked No. 15 in the Tennis Recruiting Network Mid-Major rankings announced in June. Cardiff is set to bring in international standouts Alexander Gschiel (Austria) and Frano Sucic (Croatia) as well as local product Devin Stuppin out of St. Ignatius High School ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Alexander Gschiel comes to Moraga from Walbersdorf, Austria where he was a top-300 ITA player and a six-time ITF Junior Champion. He reached a career high junior ITF ranking of 289 and was also a runner-up at the Austrian National Championship, falling to the 85th ranked player in the world in Denis Novak.
Cardiff remained in international waters to secure Frano Sucic from Croatia. The Croatian southpaw is a three-time National Champion, three-time ITF Junior Doubles Champ and was also a Croatian Gymnastics Champion before committing to tennis full time.
Lastly for Cardiff and the Gaels is San Francisco product Devin Stuppin. Stuppin brings tradition to the men's tennis program as his father, Michael Stuppin, was a program alum back in 1985. Out of St. Ignatious, Devin Stuppin was a three star recruit according to TRN and ranked No. 47 in the state of California.
Saint Mary's will start its fall campaign in September before embarking on the 2027 spring season starting after the New Year.
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Alexander Gschiel comes to Moraga from Walbersdorf, Austria where he was a top-300 ITA player and a six-time ITF Junior Champion. He reached a career high junior ITF ranking of 289 and was also a runner-up at the Austrian National Championship, falling to the 85th ranked player in the world in Denis Novak.
I am ecstatic that Alex will be a Gael in the fall," said Cardiff. "He brings many things to the table, but for me, what makes him special is his commitment to the sport, academics and overall pursuit of being excellent at whatever he does. I have no doubt that he will continue to improve his game here at Saint Mary's. Alex will make an immediate impact on and off the court for the Gaels, and we can't wait to welcome him to Moraga!
Cardiff remained in international waters to secure Frano Sucic from Croatia. The Croatian southpaw is a three-time National Champion, three-time ITF Junior Doubles Champ and was also a Croatian Gymnastics Champion before committing to tennis full time.
What impresses me a lot about Frano is not just his natural ball striking ability and athleticism, but his ability to connect with other people quickly. I feel very confident that Frano will make himself a part of our SMC community without a problem and add a lot to our environment. I am excited to see him develop here with the Gaels! (Cardiff)
Lastly for Cardiff and the Gaels is San Francisco product Devin Stuppin. Stuppin brings tradition to the men's tennis program as his father, Michael Stuppin, was a program alum back in 1985. Out of St. Ignatious, Devin Stuppin was a three star recruit according to TRN and ranked No. 47 in the state of California.
I am super excited that Devin chose to be a Gael, following in his father's footsteps. He is a lightning bolt around the court. Combine this with his work ethic and competitive drive, and he has a high ceiling here at Saint Mary's. He would be a great addition to any team, so we are fortunate to welcome him to our program. It will be great to see him dawn the blue and red this fall! (Cardiff)
Saint Mary's will start its fall campaign in September before embarking on the 2027 spring season starting after the New Year.
Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
Monday, February 16
