REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands proudly announces that Head Tennis Coach Mike Longanecker was selected to coach the U.S. men's team at the prestigious 2025 International University Tennis Friendship Invitational and Cultural Exchange Week in Shanghai, China. This global event, which took place during the summer, was co-hosted by the East China University of Science and Technology and Shanghai Juss Sports Development Co. Ltd.

In an effort to enhance youth cultural exchanges through tennis, 36 athletes and coaches, which included Coach Longanecker from 13 universities in China, the United States and Australia gathered to compete in Shanghai. 

This event attracted players from Yale University, Dartmouth College, Stevens Institute of Technology, Monash University and Adelaide University.

"It's an incredible honor to represent the United States and the University of Redlands on an international platform," said Coach Longanecker. "This event is more than a tennis competition — it's a cultural exchange that brings together student-athletes from around the world to share in the spirit of sportsmanship and global friendship."

Through the universal language of sports, the event aimed to bridge global youth, build international friendships and foster bonds for better understanding and growth. 

After three days of competition, players from Monash University and ECUST grabbed the men's and women's titles respectively, while a joint team between the two schools also won the mixed doubles title. A player from Furman University defended his men's singles title and ECUST's Chen Yiru claimed the women's singles.

In addition to sports engagements, the athletes also participated in scientific innovation workshops at ECUST, as well as city tours and museum visits around Shanghai.

The International University Tennis Friendship Invitational and Cultural Exchange Week brought together top university athletes from various countries for a week of high-level tennis, cross-cultural engagement, and community-building activities. The event promoted global unity through sport, with matches played at world-class venues in Shanghai and cultural experiences designed to foster international understanding.

Coach Longanecker's selection reflects his long-standing commitment to developing not only skilled athletes, but also well-rounded individuals prepared to engage with the world. His leadership helped play a vital role in guiding Team USA both on and off the court.

The University of Redlands community celebrates this milestone as another example of its faculty and staff's far-reaching impact beyond campus borders.