Brooks Lerfald
Kelly Bird, Linfield Sports Communications

Men's tennis reaches for new goals in 2026

By Joe Stuart, Broadcast Operations Coordinator

Looking to climb the Northwest Conference standings in 2026, Linfield men’s tennis head coach Todd Mansfield is ready to raise the expectations for his Wildcats in his second season running the program.

“Last year we did our best. This year, that won’t do. I have set this year’s goal to be making the playoffs, something we haven’t done in 16 years.”
Head Coach Todd Mansfield
Brooks Lerfald
Alexander Rosenquist
Cameron Paulsen
Handshakes
Todd Mansfield
Cat Chat
Alexander Rosenquist
Tommy Gabrielsen
Todd Mansfield
Brooks Lerfald
Nick Owens

The Wildcats are on the hunt for their first NWC Tournament appearance since 2009 and looking to go over four wins in a season for the first time since 2019. 

Linfield’s goals may be in reach - after a sixth place finish last season, the ‘Cats will roll out a veteran lineup that includes an influx of new talent as they try to crack the top-four of the conference standings.

2025-26 Roster
2024-25 Results
Brooks Lerfald
Senior Brooks Lerfald

The Wildcat lineup will feature returning seniors Brooks Lerfald and Alexander Rosenequist, as well as senior transfers Zac Nakajima, joining the Wildcats from University of Redlands, and Joey Henderson, by way of Whittier College.

After a first team all-conference junior season, Lerfald looks to continue his strong play at the top of the Linfield lineup. He collected five wins playing No. 1 singles in 2025, including winning three of his four final matches, and led the team with eight wins in doubles.

“The two transfers in Zac Nakajima and Joey Henderson have made a huge difference in our overall attitude and education to getting better. The confidence that Cameron and Alexander are displaying is off the charts. As for Brooks, the league may not recognize him this year.”
Todd Mansfield

Junior Cameron Paulsen figures to be a key contributor this season as well, with the squad’s depth filled out by fellow juniors Nick Owens, Tommy Gabrielsen and Brandon Tran, as well as freshmen Alex Alaniz and Gavin Orozco.

Paulsen looks to build on an impactful sophomore season in which he led Linfield with seven wins in singles, including a 3-3 record at No. 2, and was a part of seven doubles wins as well. 

Cameron Paulsen
Junior Cameron Paulsen
“I am really excited about doubles. Zac and Brooks look like one of the top three pairings in the league. Joey and Cameron are getting better every day just by playing against them.
Todd Mansfield
Alexander Rosenquist
Senior Alexander Rosenquist

Rosenquist will aim to finish strong on a solid career as well after finishing second on the team in singles wins with six last year, in addition to picking up six wins in doubles.

Nakajima and Henderson will both slot into the top half of the lineup, with Nakajima expected to pair with Lerfald at No. 1 doubles, and Henderson likely teaming with Paulsen.

“If we are able to grab the doubles point, I feel we have the skills to win three of six singles matches against any team in the league and grab the ‘W’. That is why I am so excited about this season.”
Todd Mansfield on the upcoming season
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Linfield Men's Tennis Schedule

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The ‘Cats get the spring slate underway February 7 in Boise, Idaho facing Division I opponents Idaho and Boise State at the Boas Indoor Tennis Center.

Linfield’s first NWC match will take place February 13 at Puget Sound before returning to McMinnville the next day to host California Lutheran.

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