In a stunning twist of fate, college tennis sensation Reese Brantmeier has claimed the NCAA women’s singles championship—just months after filing a groundbreaking lawsuit against the very organization that crowned her. But here’s where it gets controversial: Brantmeier’s victory comes as she challenges the NCAA’s rule capping prize money for college tennis players at $10,000 annually, a policy she calls hypocritical in the era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. Her 6-3, 6-3 win over Berta Passola Folch of UC Berkeley on Sunday afternoon was more than just a triumph on the court—it was a symbolic moment in her fight for fairness.
“It’s ironic, isn’t it?” Brantmeier chuckled during a post-match interview, before turning serious. “This title is the pinnacle of college tennis, and it’s a huge accomplishment. But it doesn’t change the fact that we’re fighting for what’s right.”
At 21, Brantmeier, a University of North Carolina student double-majoring in exercise science and studio art with a minor in global cinema, has become the face of this battle. Her lawsuit, filed last year, highlights the double standard: while a quarterback can earn seven figures for endorsements or autograph signings, a tennis player like Brantmeier risks losing their college eligibility if they keep prize money won at professional tournaments like the U.S. Open.
And this is the part most people miss: The lawsuit isn’t just about Brantmeier. In August, U.S. Chief District Judge Catherine Eagles certified two groups for class action, potentially representing up to 12,000 players. The first group includes Division I tennis players who competed—or were barred from competing—since March 19, 2020, due to the NCAA’s prize money restrictions. The second group comprises players who forfeited prize money during that period.
This ruling was a win for Brantmeier, her co-plaintiff Maya Joint (now a WTA Tour regular), and others like Oliver Tarvet, a British player at Texas Christian University who won over $200,000 at Wimbledon this year but could only claim $10,000.
Meanwhile, in the men’s championship, Columbia University’s Michael Zheng defended his title with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 victory over Trevor Svajda of Southern Methodist University. Zheng, who has balanced college tennis with the ATP Challenger Tour, considered turning pro after last year’s win but decided to finish his psychology degree. Despite his success, he was unseeded this year due to limited college-ranked matches—yet he played like a favorite all week.
“Winning this again is surreal,” Zheng said. He plans to compete in Challenger events next month before qualifying for the Australian Open, then return to school for the spring semester. Both he and Brantmeier will represent their schools in team competitions through the end of the year.
Here’s the burning question: Is the NCAA’s prize money cap fair, or does it unfairly penalize tennis players in the age of NIL deals? Brantmeier’s lawsuit won’t go to trial until late 2026, but the debate is already heating up. What do you think? Should college tennis players be allowed to keep their hard-earned prize money, or does the NCAA’s rule protect the integrity of amateur sports? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
Nov 24, 2025
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