ARLINGTON, Texas — UT Arlington men's tennis head coach Diego Benitez announced the signing of Leon Grassnickel to join the Mavericks for the upcoming season.

A native of Brunsbuettel, Germany, Grassnickel arrives at UTA after collegiate stops at PennWest Edinboro and Northwood University, bringing championship experience and collegiate success to the Mavericks' roster.

Grassnickel spent the 2024-25 season at PennWest Edinboro, where he won 10 singles matches and 15 doubles matches. He teamed with Nils Weskamp, Rocco Palombarini, Stanislas Noel, Ben Maldener and Fabricio Sosa in doubles competition throughout the year. During his time at Edinboro, Grassnickel earned Atlantic Regional Champion honors in the fall of 2025 and was part of a regional championship team in the spring of 2025.

Prior to Edinboro, Grassnickel attended Northwood University in Michigan during the 2023-24 academic year. He recorded seven singles victories, and 13 doubles wins while partnering with Thomas Ladwein and Max Wild.

A graduate of Gymnasium Brunsbuettel, Grassnickel completed his secondary education in 2023 before beginning his collegiate career in the United States.

Grassnickel is the son of Thorsten Grassnickel and Susann Ewers and plans to major in integrated business at UT Arlington.

Grassnickel File

• Name: Leon Grassnickel
• Hometown: Brunsbuettel, Germany
• Height: 5-10
• Major: Integrated Business
• Parents: Thorsten Grassnickel and Susann Ewers
• Previous Schools: PennWest Edinboro, Northwood University
• 2024-25 (PennWest Edinboro):
  • 10 singles victories
  • 15 doubles victories
  • Atlantic Regional Champion (Fall 2025)
  • Member of Regional Championship team (Spring 2025)
• 2023-24 (Northwood University):
  • Seven singles victories
  • 13 doubles victories