Wayne State University Athletics

David Thurman

Men's Tennis 3/17/2025 11:53:00 AM Maggie Mace, WSU Sports Information Feature Writer

Cedric Drenth Hopes To Help Men's Tennis Make One More Run At Nationals

Editors Note: With the men's tennis program beginning conference play this weekend, we thought it appropriate to post this article about senior Cedric Drenth.

By Maggie Mace, WSU Sports Information Feature Writer

"Inspired by Rafael Nadal, WSU left-handed tennis player Cedric Drenth was born in France but moved to Germany at just one-year-old. He picked up a tennis racket at five, quickly realizing that the sport was his true passion. At only 12-years-old, Drenth competed in his first German Championship.

Years later, it was time for him to decide whether he wanted to pursue tennis professionally or continue his education in a different field. That decision was simplified when the option to do both at Wayne State University was presented to him, thanks to former teammate and longtime friend Daniel Grey, and head coach Bryan Morrow.

"We were just close friends, and he put me in touch with the head coach. I really liked what he had to offer," Drenth said when asked what solidified his decision to come to Wayne State. Adding, "Knowing someone who's here already obviously helps, and it just ended up that we would be doubles partners".

Drenth was a senior in high school during COVID-19, which meant he was unable to visit the school before committing. "It was a little bit of a gamble" he said, but that risk has resulted in high reward so far in the Wayne State senior's career.

What stood out about Cedric to coach Morrow during the recruiting process was that he was talented as a player and passionate about the sport. Hinting at a successful career, they knew he would be the perfect addition to the team.

As a freshman he was named an ITA All-Academic Scholar-Athlete. Paired with Daniel Grey, they earned a No. 1 doubles ranking in the final ITA Midwest Regional rankings, along with a fourth-place national ranking and received ITA Doubles All-America honors.

"Playing here against all the other guys from other schools, there's so many players, just imagining that you're going to end up one of the top-ranked guys in the nation is obviously not something you're going to think about at first" he stated when asked what his expectations were coming in as a freshman.

The success didn't stop there. As a sophomore, Drenth was named WSU Male Student-Athlete of the Year and earned a 10th-place national ranking in singles by the ITA. This achievement made him the first WSU tennis player — male or female — to be named an ITA Singles All-American. He also collected several other impressive accolades.

"He is the most competitive person in everything he does, add being the hardest worker and a willingness to learn and you have someone who is a high achiever at everything," remarked Morrow.

But his successes go far beyond the tennis court. Majoring in finance, Drenth has made the Athletic Directors Honor Roll (term GPA 3.5+) all seven semesters so far, five of which he had a 4.0 GPA.

When asked how he balances it all, he says "I was raised by my parents knowing that academics are important as well. So not just focusing on tennis, which meant I had to get good grades to be able to play tournaments." That mentality stayed the same and "took over" as he entered the collegiate world of sports and he was on his own away from his family.

He also credits his success to the team culture and strong leadership on the Wayne State tennis team. "It was also part of our team culture to not just be good on the tennis court, but also be good off the tennis court" he adds "I try my best to make that happen."

Coach Morrow has nothing but positive things to say about Drenth, stating "We work together as leaders of the team and then he is easy to coach as a player." And adds, "Cedric has an unbelievable tennis resume, but I am prouder of how he has matured into a wonderful person and a great leader."

As a senior looking to close out a record-setting career, "I feel like I've achieved most that you can achieve in college tennis at DII" he states jokingly, but "most" is not "all". As Drenth and the Warriors get set for the conference portion of the season, he looks to end his career in Florida at nationals. "Making it to the nationals again, trying to give the freshmen some experience."

"We have a good team again this year who definitely have the potential to make it far. So, yeah, I wouldn't want to end my college career here in Michigan."

Out of his long list of accolades and accomplishments here at Wayne State, Drenth says he is most proud of the improvements he has made mentally; "being mentally strong."

Drenth has plans to stay in Detroit for the summer coaching tennis, but it is still up in the air whether or not he is ready to hang up his racket, or continue setting records on the professional stage. Whatever he decides, it is certain that his impact on Wayne State tennis will not be forgotten.

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Players Mentioned

Cedric Drenth: 6' 3"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Cedric Drenth
: 6' 3"; Senior