KNOXVILLE, Tn- The Royals officially added the first member of their 2022 recruiting class as with the signing of Mason Wrisley of Delta High School. 

Wrisley joins the Royals after a highly successful high school season where he went 13-3 in the regular season and was undefeated individually throughout the postseason.  Wrisley and his doubles partner were crowned sectional champions in the individual rounds and helped Delta High School win their 29th consecutive sectional championship.  Delta's coach Tim Cleland commented on the impressive nature of Mason's rise in the lineup and contribution to Delta's team, "Mason is truly an amazing tennis success story.  He began playing on the team as a sophomore and was near the bottom of the team ladder, but through relentless practice and determination, he rose all the way to varsity for his senior season. This is almost unheard of for us because our team is perennially among the top 25 teams in Indiana...Mason approaches the game with grit and steely determination.  Others may sometimes doubt his abilities, but he never doubts himself"

Mason says he is excited to come to Johnson because of the community and his experience on campus, "In the times I have been here, people have really been welcoming, and I have had friends and people I consider family who have already come to Johnson."  As far as tennis goes, Mason is excited for the NAIA transition and how the team is moving, "I am excited to compete in the NAIA…I also like the culture that the team is building."    

Coach Hale has this to say about the addition of Mason, "When Mason came on campus for a recruiting event we were having I wasn't really sure what to expect, but the amount of effort and energy he brought to the court quickly got our attention.  He plays an aggressive game and I feel like he could contribute for us early in doubles as easily as singles.  Overall, we are trying to build a program that takes advantage of every opportunity, displays resilience, and that works harder than anyone else…Mason is a brilliant representation of all of those qualities."