Men's Tennis Takes On Transfer Portal; Adding Armistead & McDonald

WEST POINT, NY -- At the United States Military Academy, the transfer portal often goes one way, with cadet-athletes able to leave the Academy without obligation prior to the start of their junior year and transfer to another university. While those who leave the Academy and transfer to another university are often able to pick up right where they left off academically, any incoming cadets to the Academy must begin as a plebe and complete the full 47-month West Point curriculum even if they have previously studied at another university. This often makes it difficult for the athletic teams at Army West Point to bring in cadet-athletes through the transfer portal.

However, this season, the men's tennis program had a different experience in the portal, taking in a pair of transfers from Atlantic Coast Conference schools. The duo of Jackson Armistead and Davis McDonald became the first transfers that the program has ever taken in.

"The portal is something that we have always been aware of but not something we have looked to use like other universities. It takes a special type of person to start their lives all over, we were luckily enough to find two of those individuals." – Head Coach Randy Rowley

With the Black Knights graduating a strong and productive class in 2024, Rowley has now reloaded with a pair of highly-touted transfers and just one recruit out of high school in Matías Feoli.

While the Academy does not offer athletic scholarships, NCAA changes coming in the upcoming academic year will see a much larger scholarship limit for key sports such as football, basketball, ice hockey and lacrosse. With increased investment in revenue-driven sports and NIL for athletes, the adverse effect of this ruling may see roster sizes shrink immensely for other sports as scholarships are allocated elsewhere.

Committing to West Point as an athlete also commits yourself to becoming an officer in the U.S. Army, which further embodies the opportunity to serve others and eventually impact lives across the country and globe as an officer.

For Jackson Armistead, West Point was not on his radar at all during his recruitment process coming out of high school. A South Carolina native, Armistead was the number one recruit in his class in his home state and in the top-55 nationally, eventually committing to the University of Miami (FL).

After spending a season with the Hurricanes, Armistead knew that he wanted a change, entering the transfer portal.

"I started thinking about what I wanted to do after college," said Armistead. "I want to lead people, enact change, influence others and grow myself as a person."

With that at the forefront of his mind, it was no surprise that West Point soon popped up as the top choice and eventual decision with a path to commissioning as an officer and Second Lieutenant in the Army.

On the change of culture to come to West Point, Armistead noted "I feel more fulfilled. Everyday I'm working towards my future and bettering myself."

For Davis McDonald, West Point and other service academies were on his radar, but perhaps a little too late in his initial recruiting process. A top-five recruit in the New England region, McDonald eventually committed to Boston College, joining his brother Connor who is now entering his senior campaign with the Eagles.

"I was planning on (joining) the Army after Boston College," said McDonald. "I had planned to do four years there, but as I got through the first year, I realized that I wanted to go to one of the academies. It was a very quick process and turnaround, I basically had three or four days to make a decision in the spring. I decided to come here, and it was the best decision that I've ever made."

Rowley added, "Jackson and Davis like all their teammates have chosen a path that will not only shape them as individuals but their futures and the lives of those they touch. Choosing to attend a service academy, in particular USMA, isn't the easiest choice. But what they will achieve here personally and professionally are second to none. We are thrilled to know both Davis, Jackson and their families have found a home here at West Point and as a part of our tennis family."

"There's nothing better if you want to improve your character. I came here with the intention of becoming a better person, leader and more disciplined." – McDonald

Coming into the tennis program at West Point also means the opportunity to compete for a conference championship every single season, as the Black Knights have been a staple at the top of the Patriot League, reaching the tournament semifinals in 30 straight campaigns. Rowley has been a part of 14 of those seasons, including ten Patriot League championship match appearances during his time with the program.

Army's roster of ten at the moment is also the smallest among all Patriot League programs, furthering the opportunity to compete on the court. At the individual level, Army is also set to host the ITA Individual Qualifying Tournament from Oct. 25-27. This will determine who will represent the Patriot League and their school at the ITA Masters Qualifier in November with the eventual opportunity to qualify for the NCAA individual championships in Waco, TX from Nov. 19-24.

As the trend of athletes transferring continues to reshape the landscape of college sports, it highlights both the challenges and opportunities that come with these changes. While the transfer portal has introduced a level of unpredictability, it also signals a new era of flexibility, in which Armistead and McDonald are the first of their kind for the Army men's tennis program.

Army West Point Athletics

Men's Tennis Takes On Transfer Portal; Adding Armistead & McDonald

Players Mentioned

Jackson Armistead

Matías Feoli

Davis McDonald

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