TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Rose-Hulman athletic department will be featuring multiple student-athletes across all of their varsity sports teams this summer in the Fightin' Engineers to Watch media campaign.
Men's tennis's Fightin' Engineer to Watch is
Tim Eckermann as he enters his junior season.
Eckermann is coming off a sensational sophomore year where he was named the 2026 HCAC Player of the Year. He posted a record of 13-9 in singles, while competing across No. 1, 2, and 3 singles. Eckermann and
Chris Lian would record a mark of 13-7 at No. 1 doubles, earning the most wins for Rose-Hulman at doubles in a single season since 2018. The duo would achieve all-region recognition as they were ranked sixth in the NCAA Region VI doubles rankings. Additionally, Eckermann was named in the regional singles rankings as under consideration.
"Rose-Hulman Men's Tennis has been one of the biggest influences on my life," said Eckermann. "Whether on or off the court, I love being part of such a supportive team, and I consider my teammates a second family. The connections I have made are ones that I know will last well beyond graduation, and no matter what I am dealing with, I know there is always someone on my team in my corner. Whether we win or lose, we have always been able to walk off the court with a smile and are ready to prepare for our next match. That is the culture I want to help carry forward during my junior and senior seasons."
Eckermann would go undefeated in HCAC competition, as he would accumulate 6-0 marks in both singles and doubles play. He would continue his undefeated streak in the conference tournament, where Rose-Hulman would win both the HCAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships for the second time in Eckermann's career. On top of his success on the court, the Munich, Germany native would thrive in the classroom as he was named to the 2026 CSC Academic All-District Team and the Dean's List.
Eckermann is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, and he is currently back home in Germany working as an intern in a mechanical engineering firm. "It has been great for my career development to receive continuous hands-on-experience in the industrial setting," said Eckermann. Alongside his internship, he has been playing competitive matches for his hometown club, coaching tennis lessons for players of all ages, and staying in contact with his teammates. "Even during the offseason, we stay in touch as a team, and we make sure to get our practice reps in, do activities together, and check up on each other. This is a huge part of team building for me, and I love being a part of the team all year round."
The two-time All-HCAC First Team selection can only speak positively about being a student-athlete at Rose-Hulman. "What I love most is the sense of community, as there is a shared understanding of the extra work it takes to balance athletics and academics. Everyone wants their teammates to succeed in both areas, and I constantly see upperclassmen advising newer players, whether it is about their game or how they can be successful in the classroom. This supportive environment is a big part of why I have been able to achieve numerous academic and athletic awards, as the standard the team holds you to on the court carries over into how you handle everything else."
The Fightin' Engineers begin their quest for a fourth consecutive HCAC Tournament Championship during the 2026-27 season. The team will open the fall season at the DePauw Invitational on Saturday, September 12 at a time that is yet to be determined.
