FGCU men’s tennis head coach Josh Molino announced the team signed two five-star athletes for the 2026-27 campaign.
Brennan Chow, a sophomore transfer from BYU, and Gabriel Valdes, an incoming freshman from Miami True North Classical High School, will help solidify a roster that went 9-15 (1-2 in ASUN) this spring.
Chow and Valdes are two of four five-star Florida high school athletes on the Eagles roster, joining sophomore Stefan Correa and junior Tanner Povey.
“We are extremely pleased with this year’s recruiting class,” Molino said in a press release. “Adding a pair of five stars from South Florida adds depth and talent to an already experienced group. Both Brennon and Gabriel are great additions on and off the court, and we are excited for them and their families to experience the next few years with the Eagle Family.”
Chow spent his freshman year at BYU going 6-9 in singles action and 7-4 in doubles action. He maintained a strong track record in singles action, sweeping round robin competition with wins against Rice, SMU and Tulane’s players. He also tallied wins over Rice and SMU in doubles action.
Valdes is ranked 62nd nationally in this year’s recruiting class according to the Tennis Recruiting Network. In May 2025, he was named Dade Tennis Player of the Year after going unbeaten in the regular season. Since 2022, Valdes only lost one game, recording an impressive 38-1 record over his high school career. His recruitment marks the second straight season Molino signed a five-star athlete out of the Miami area.
The Eagles dipped in the standings last season, going 9-15 (1-2 in ASUN) following a 13-14 (6-2) 2024-25 campaign.
Chow and Valdes will play a crucial role in filling in the gaps left after the Eagles graduated two seniors, Stavros Hadjivarnava and Pablo Paternostro.
