Eli Stephenson Qualifies for ITF College Accelerator Program

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Eli Stephenson has been named one of ten qualifiers for the 2026 International Tennis Federation College Accelerator Program. The program, in partnership with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, offers ITF World Tennis Tour wild cards to players ranked No. 21-30 in the ITA Year-End Singles Rankings.

Stephenson concluded the 2026 season at No. 26 in the final ITA Singles Rankings after a breakout junior season. The Louisville, Ky. native finished the year with a 26-11 singles record, earning 14 wins over ranked opponents. Stephenson qualified for the 2025 NCAA Singles Championship, where he advanced to the round of 32, and peaked at a career-high ranking of No. 26 on February 19. The All-American also had a stellar season on the doubles court, earning eight ranked wins and closing the season at No. 15 in the ITA Doubles Rankings alongside Jack Loutit. Stephenson earned SEC Player of the Week honors on February 4, as well as postseason recognition on the All-SEC First Team and CSC Academic All-District Team.

With this program, ten players will be awarded a varying number of WTT main draw places based on their intentions on returning to college tennis in the upcoming year. For any non-returning student-athletes eight (8) main draw places into M15 or M25 tournaments will be awarded. Meanwhile, returning student-athletes will receive six (6) main draw places into M15 or M25 tournaments beginning June 29 up to tournaments beginning in March 2027.

The ITA also partners with the ATP Challenger Tour through the PIF ATP Next Gen Accelerator Program, offering challenger wild cards to players No. 1-20 in the ITA Year-End Singles Rankings.

For the latest on UK Men’s Tennis, follow the Wildcats on X and Instagram at @UKMensTennis.