Ernst Gouws

Class:
Redshirt Sophomore
Height:
5-11
Weight:
175
Prev School:
Paul Roos Gimnasium
Hometown:
Stellenbosch, South Africa

2024-25 (R-Fr.)

Earned an overall 11-9 singles record and a 12-10 doubles mark
In the fall, collected a 5-3 singles mark and a 3-2 doubles record
Went 3-1 in singles at the ITA Atlantic Regional with three two-set victories
In the spring, collected a 6-6 singles record and a 3-2 doubles mark
Played most of his singles matches in the No. 5 singles position with a 4-4 mark. Held an 0-1 mark at the No. 4 position and a 2-1 mark in the No. 6 slot
In his first spring singles match of his Liberty career, played in the No. 5 slot against Richmond’s Cole Brashear, ultimately sealing a 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 1-0 (10-6) victory
Began the season with a three-match singles winning streak
Played most of his doubles matches in the No. 3 doubles position with a 6-3 record. Held a 2-5 mark at No. 2 doubles and a 1-0 mark at No. 1 doubles
Bested James Madison’s pair of Esteve Agusti and Aurelien Schmitt in the No. 1 doubles position, 6-3 with partner Carl Roothman
Held a four-match doubles winning streak, including doubles victories over No. 64 Dartmouth, No. 39 Yale and No. 68 Utah State
Received the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal
Selected as an ITA Scholar Athlete
Included on the CSC Academic All-District team

2023-24 (R-Fr.)

Utilized redshirt season
Posted an 8-3 overall record, including a 5-3 singles mark and a 3-0 doubles record, all in the fall
Garnered first collegiate career singles win at the Penn Invitational (Sept. 15-17)
Made the Round of 16 in the ITA Atlantic Regionals, going 2-1 in the tournament
Went 2-0 with partner Matija Samardzic at the Georgia Tech Invite (Nov. 3-5), also recording his first career doubles win
Recognized as an ITA Scholar-Athlete
Included on CUSA Academic Honor Roll

2022-23 (Fr.)

Utilized redshirt season
Recognized as an ITA Scholar-Athlete
Included on ASUN Academic Honor Roll

Prep

Graduate of Paul Roos Gimnasium
Climbed to No. 1 in the junior tennis rankings in South Africa
Finished as the doubles runner-up at the South Africa U18 national championship in 2021
Won the Cape Town and Durban Growthpoint Super 8 tournament
Was the captain and No. 1 player for his high school team

Personal

Son of Ernst and Tania Gouws
Intends to major in finance
Birthday is Jan. 13

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
I came to Liberty because it’s a Christian school.

Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I listen to music.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My dad inspires me.

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Winning my first match for liberty.

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Pizza is my favorite food.

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
Whatsapp

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Fishing is my favorite hobby.

Do you have any current pets (name and type of animal)?
I have a dog, named Rafa.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Novak Djokovic

What is your favorite possession and why?
My phone because it has everything on it.

What is your Go-To karaoke song?
Shivers

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Japan is my dream vacation spot.