Harrogate, TN — Lincoln Memorial men's tennis senior Mathis Amsellem has been named the First Century Bank Scholar-Athlete of the Week following his outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and athletic contributions both on and off the court. A native of Chantilly, France, who has played tennis for many years, Amsellem joined the Railsplitters program last year and has maintained a stellar 3.855 institutional grade point average. His commitment to academic excellence earned him a spot on the Dean's list last semester, alongside recognition as an Academics Before Everything (A.B.E.) Scholar at LMU. In addition to his classroom success, Amsellem serves as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, representing his team and acting as a voice for his fellow student-athletes.
On the court during the 2025-26 season, Amsellem served as a key staple in the Railsplitter lineup, competing at the top doubles positions and solidifying the upper singles slots. In doubles competition, he racked up victories alongside partner Alexan Rares Giurea, capturing wins against Anderson University, Wingate, Purdue University Northwest, Emory & Henry, Mars Hill, and Augusta. He also picked up a doubles victory paired with Hugo Ruiz Espejo against Purdue Northwest. In singles play, Amsellem anchored the top of the LMU lineup, competing primarily at the number two position against top conference and regional competition.
Before arriving at Lincoln Memorial, Amsellem built a remarkable competitive resume at Edinboro University, where he was part of a standout 2025 squad that claimed the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference regular season championship, the PSAC tournament championship, and a regional championship before competing for a national title. His individual brilliance was highlighted during the spring 2025 season when he was named the Most Valuable Player of the PSAC conference tournament. Amsellem carried that momentum into his time with LMU, where his dedication to the athletics community was recently recognized when he was elected Impact Student-Athlete of the Month for September 2026.
Despite his short time in Harrogate, Amsellem's presence and leadership on the men's tennis team were felt immediately, earning him the role of team captain. When an injury sidelined him last year, he refused to remain a passive spectator on the sidelines. Head Coach Abraham Lascari entrusted Amsellem with coaching duties during practices and matches throughout the spring and fall 2026 seasons, allowing him to guide and support his teammates from the bench. His background in mentorship extends back to France, where he coached young tennis players to improve their overall performance through physical preparation, mental training, nutrition, and comprehensive athlete development.
Amsellem also brings a strong business mindset and extensive experience in sports management to the Railsplitter program. He has proven his organizational abilities by coordinating ball kids and serving as a co-director for a major tennis tournament, developing crucial skills in leadership, communication, and team management. Beyond the court and classroom, Amsellem leverages his social media presence to create content focused on training, recovery, nutrition, discipline, and the daily student-athlete lifestyle. Through his digital platform, he aims to inspire and guide young athletes as they stay focused on their goals and work toward their personal development.
