Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

The most decorated player in Embry-Riddle tennis history, Mislav Hizak competed for the Eagles from 2005-08. Hailing from Varazdin, Croatia, Hizak joined the Eagle lineup in the spring of 2005 and was undefeated in his freshman campaign at 20-0 in singles and went 17-2 in doubles.
 
At the end of his first year wearing the Blue and Gold, Hizak was ranked fifth in the ITA/NAIA national singles poll. By the end of the fall of 2005, he showed that he was a force to be reckoned with at all levels. After blazing through the field at the ITA Regional Tournament, Hizak became the first ERAU student-athlete to win an individual national title as he brought home the ITA/NAIA singles crown. But he didn't stop there. He went on to win the ITA "Super Bowl" title which earned him a spot in the NCAA Division I ITA National Men's Singles Indoor Championship.
 
In the first round of the tournament, which featured Hizak and the top 31 players in NCAA I, Hizak posted a huge upset, taking down defending indoor champion and top-seeded Ryler DeHeart of the University of Illinois in straight sets in the first round. He advanced to the tournament quarterfinals before suffering a tough 4-6, 7-5, 4-6 loss to Stanford's KC Corkery.
 
Following his fall performance, Hizak vaulted to the top of the ITA/NAIA rankings. He remained at the top spot in the nation for the rest of his collegiate career.
 
Hizak graduated from Embry-Riddle with an unprecedented three ITA "Super Bowl" titles, three ITA/NAIA national titles and an ITA/NAIA national doubles title. His impressive resume includes a 107-6 record in singles, which includes a 60-0 ledger against NAIA opponents, and a 93-15 mark in doubles. His 107 singles wins tops the ERAU record book and of his six career losses, five were to NCAA I opponents and the other came when he was forced to retire due to injury against an NCAA II foe.
 
He excelled both on the court and in the classroom and was recognized for his achievements in both areas. His list of accolades includes:
 
• Top-ranked NAIA player for three consecutive seasons
• Three ITA/NAIA national singles titles
• Three ITA Super Bowl singles titles
• 2006 ITA/NAIA doubles champion
• Three-time first team NAIA All-American
• Four-time ITA All-American
• Three-time Florida Sun Conference Player of the Year
• Three-time NAIA Region XIV Player of the Year
• 2008 ITA/NAIA Senior Player of the Year
• Two-time NAIA Outstanding Player
• Two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America first team (2007, 08)
• ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third team (2006)
• Two-time ITA Scholar Athlete
• Two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete (2007, 08)
• 2006 ITA/James O'Hara Sargent Sportsmanship Award
• 2007 ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship
• Two-time NAIA Dr. Leroy Walker Sportsmanship Award (2007, 08)
• 2007 NAIA A.O. Duer Award
• Embry-Riddle Champions of Character scholarship recipient
• Steve & Vicky Ridder scholarship recipient
• Inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2015
 
In addition to his individual accolades, Hizak led the ERAU men's tennis team to four undefeated seasons in Florida Sun Conference play, four conference titles, four regional titles, and four NAIA National Championship semifinal appearances.
 
Hizak completed his undergraduate degree in Aviation Business Administration in 2008 and is currently a tennis coach specializing in performance and player development at All-In Academy in Nice, France.
 
"What really separated Mislav from other players is that he came to practice every day wanting and demanding to get better. When a team's best player is also the hardest worker, It makes for a great training atmosphere. Mislav challenged himself on the court, during conditioning, and in obtaining knowledge on how to compete at an even higher level.
 
"I really consider Mislav as one of those players that a coach gets once, maybe - if lucky - twice in a career. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be his coach. Mislav was a fantastic player, however, he even surpasses his tennis abilities with his desire to build his character and the character of those around him."
- Dave Paschal
Head Coach, Embry-Riddle Men's Tennis (2004-present)
 
"Mislav was not only the best college tennis player, but he also led our team relentlessly and motivated all of us through his talent, focus and work ethic on the tennis court. Mislav was the perfect example of what a true champion is: someone who becomes the best at what they do, and they stay at the top by consistently working harder than the rest. And that's exactly what Mislav did throughout his entire college career and why he was the best."
- Carlos Bes Comeras
Embry-Riddle Men's Tennis (2005-09)
 
"I was honored to have a great relationship with Mislav. I admired and respected him as much as ANY student-athlete that I have observed during my 30-year tenure. His work ethic was relentless; he was disciplined with his decisions, dedicated as a leader and teammate and humble and gracious in his demeanor. He was the greatest ambassador for our University, as well as the intercollegiate athletic program."
- Steve Ridder
Head Coach, Embry-Riddle Men's Basketball (1989-present)
Director of Athletics, Embry-Riddle (1993-2013)