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2025 USHA Collegiate National Championships
2025 USHA Collegiate National Championships
Multnomah Athletic Club - Portland, OR / Feb 19-23
The tournament has concluded. View brackets and more using the link below.
The tournament has concluded. View brackets and more using the link below.
UWM has another strong showing at Collegiate Nationals
UWM has another strong showing at Collegiate Nationals
Team photo at the banquet
The 2025 UWM Collegiate National team only included three players, but they made every moment count! As a team, they finished 5th out of 14 teams in the Men's A division. All of them played their best handball this week resulting in each of them winning at least three matches. David Jensen advanced all the way to the C2 semifinals, Ruben Nava advanced to the B1 quarterfinals before a narrow 11-10 tiebreaker loss, and Jose Munguia won a national title in the B1 division! Additionally, David and Ruben teamed up in B doubles advancing to the quarterfinals.
Off the court, the team was a huge help to the tournament by helping out behind the desk every day. This was the smoothest run collegiate national tournament in quite some time, and it wouldn't have been possible without their help!
The team was able to enjoy a little bit of downtime as well trying the world famous Blue Star donuts, visiting the beautiful Japanese Gardens, and watching a Portland Timbers game from inside the MAC. Overall this was an incredible experience for everyone, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support from family members, community members and donors. Thanks for all that you do!
For the third year in a row, UWM is bringing a National Championship to Milwaukee!
For the third year in a row, UWM is bringing a National Championship to Milwaukee!
Jose shaking hands after winning the match with his quarterfinal opponent
Jose Munguia had a difficult start to his third Collegiate Nationals. He had the bad draw of playing the two best players in his first two seeding round divisions both resulting in losses. He looked out of sync on the court and couldn't get in the same groove that took him all the way to the B finals at the Milwaukee Classic in December.
This uncharacteristic play continued in the first game of his first match in the B1 knockout round losing the first game 15-8. However, in between games he vowed to get a win and came out scorching hot in the second game pounding the ball with purpose resulting in numerous flat kills and Open level aces to easily win 15-4. The momentum and power carried into the tiebreaker barely even giving his opponent the chance to serve with a quick 11-1 match victory. Needless to say Jose was finally warmed up.
Jose cruised through his quarterfinal match Saturday morning and looked well on his way to becoming UWM's second Collegiate Nationals singles finalist before getting in a big hole in the second game of the semis. Down 9-1, Jose called a timeout to regroup, and played error-free handball the rest of the way winning the game and the match 15-13.
The finals was a battle against Pima Community College's Andres Maldonado. Andres came out hot with terrific drive serves to the left and killing any set up he was given. Jose was able to stick around though and with Jose down 15-18, Andres began showing signs of cramping. Jose was able to capitalize and came back to win the first game 21-18.
The second game was the opposite of the first with Jose forcing Andres into mistakes with some incredible retrieves and deep passes to take a commanding lead. With the score 19-9 it seemed inevitable that Jose would soon close out the victory. However, Andres found another gear and hit several incredible serves, great kills, and well timed passes to tie it up at 20-20. It was too little too late for Andres though as Jose was able to stop the momentum and win match point for UWM's first singles Collegiate Nationals title.
Congrats Jose!!
Watch his finals match on our YouTube channel HERE! Make sure to subscribe so we can live stream matches in the future!
Jose showing off his gold medal with runner-up Andres Maldonado
Additional images and highlights
Additional images and highlights
A smooth rollout from Jose in his quarterfinal match
David and Ruben sharing laughs with top referee Tom Ure at the banquet
Team picture with coach Ben Van Arsdale before the knockout rounds begin
David and Ruben in their first round doubles match on the show court
The MAC is one of the best athletic clubs in the country. You could even watch the Portland Timbers game while working out!
Ruben after his B1 first round victory with his opponent Cole Peterson
Ruben keeping his eye on the ball as he readies his shot
Thanks to Bracket Ace and the brand new Control Desk feature, everyone could follow along all the scores live
David hitting one of his many perfect lob serves
Meet the players representing UWM at Collegiate Nationals this year
Meet the players representing UWM at Collegiate Nationals this year
David Jensen
David Jensen
Year in school: Graduated Fall 2024
Degree: BA History
First time playing handball: September 2023
Why I started handball: I was looking for a fun group where I could get some exercise.
Most memorable handball experience: Playing in a close tie breaker at collegiate nationals with the whole team watching.
Jose Munguia
Jose Munguia
Year in school: Graduated Spring 2024
Degree: Bachelor of Architecture and a Certificate in Urban Planning
First time playing handball: 2020 right before Covid
Why I started handball: Professor Mark Keane was promoting the handball class during a freshman level Architecture Class, and I thought it was handball with a soccer ball.
Most memorable handball experience: During Nationals in Tucson, as a team we went hiking. Even after playing so many games, we still had energy to move.
Ruben Nava
Ruben Nava
Year in school: Junior
Degree: Architecture
First time playing handball: Fall 2022
Why I started handball: Got a random email from one of my professors, I decided to give it a try and now I love it!
Most memorable handball experience: One of my most memorable experiences was when I got second place for my first time playing at a Collegiate level.
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