The Gold Rush tennis program has arrived in a new conference home, but the team's reputation for excellence preceded it. 

Tuesday, the men's tennis coaches of the Southern States Athletic Conference picked XULA to finish second in the upcoming season. First place went to William Carey, who received all first-place votes. 

In-city rival Loyola was picked to finish third. The full ranking was as follows: 

1. William Carey - 49 (7)
2. Xavier - 42
3. Loyola - 33
4. UT Southern - 24
5. Mobile - 20
6. Abraham Baldwin - 19
7. Blue Mountain - 9
 
Xavier's Fall 2026 schedule begins next month with a visit to Atlanta for the annual HBCU Championships, which will take place Sept. 17-20 at the South Fulton Tennis Center.