ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. --- The Lobo men’s tennis roster added Nikhil Srivatsa of Monte Sereno, Calif., and Andrew Lavine of Bellaire, Texas, for the 2026-27 season, announced third-year head coach Rob Bareford.
The two join the incoming class that features Juan Jose Neira Rodriguez, David Schwarc, and Max Relic, and are a part of the class that helped UNM’s class rank No. 13 among mid-majors.
Srivatsa earned a four-star player ranking on Tennis Recruiting.com after earning a USTA ranking of 132 last year. He holds a UTR of 11.2. Last year, he participated in Winter Nationals in Orlando, Indoor Nationals in Kansas City, Clay Court Nationals at Delray Beach, and Hard Court Nationals at Kalamazoo. He was twice runner-up at L2 doubles events, and since 2018, he has won several local and regional L3-L5 singles and doubles events.
Srivatsa also has won several triathlons in his career.
“I chose UNM because it is a great opportunity to play tennis at the highest level, and I really love how I felt at home when I came,” Nikhil said. “It is also a great fit for me as I thought the coaching staff was super welcoming.”
Lavine, who is currently competing with his brother in doubles at the Maccabiah Games in Tel Aviv, is a transfer from UC Riverside, where he played No. 1 singles and No. 2 doubles. He earned Big West Commissioner’s Honor Roll last year after graduating from high school with National Honor Society recognition.
Also, a four-star recruit out of high school via TennisRecruiting.com, he competed in three IF World Tour Futures Events in Serbia, Spain, and Germany.
“I chose UNM because of the environment of the program and the energy of the coaching staff,” said Lavine. “I want to thank Coach Bareford for believing in me. I want to thank all of my family, supporters, and friends along my journey in tennis who have gotten me this far. I’m excited to be a Lobo in the fall of 2026 and bring home a Mountain West Championship.”
Said Bareford of the latest additions, “We are excited to develop Nik and help him reach his max potential as a Lobo on and off the court. Andrew has the mindset, determination, and work ethic that we look for when recruiting. He took tremendous strides last year at UC Riverside, and we hope to help him continue this growth now at UNM.”