CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Fighting Illini men's tennis program signed transfer Oliver Okonkwo and recruit Tyler Bowers this week. Okonkwo joins the Illini after spending the last three seasons at Iowa where he ranks second in program history in doubles winning percentage in spring matches. Bowers is a five-star recruit and the No. 2 ranked played in the state of Illinois.

Oliver Okonkwo | University of Iowa | Berkshire, United Kingdom

• Ranks second in Hawkeye program history in doubles winning percentage in spring matches
• Reached a career high of No. 2 in the country for college doubles with Will Davies at Iowa in 2021
• Qualified for the 2021 NCAA Championships Doubles Tournament with partner Will Davies
• Won 24 doubles matches in the fall and spring as a freshman, which ties for second most all-time in program history won 24 doubles matches in the fall and spring as a freshman, which ties for second most all-time in Iowa program history

Why Illinois : "I chose Illinois to be a part of a team who are driven to win and are willing to put in the work to do so. I believe Illinois is an environment that I can thrive in to become the best player I can be and I believe in the coaches to help me along with that journey."

Dancer and Asse on Okonkwo
"This is an exciting signing for our program.  Needless to say, we are very familiar with Oliver and his competitive fire.  Watching him as a freshman, we thought that he had the potential to become one of the best players in the B1G.  Getting the opportunity to mentor Oliver over the next few years is going to be an exciting process.  In addition, Oliver is going to be able to pursue a masters degree as well as connect with our extensive alumni network.  We are looking forward to helping Oliver achieve his dreams."

Tyler Bowers | William & Reed Academy | Bloomington, Illinois

• Five-star recruit and No. 2 ranked player in the state of Illinois (Tennis Recruiting Network)
• 2019 IHSA State Doubles Champion and Team Champion

Dancer and Asse on Bowers
"We've been following Tyler since he was young playing tournaments in our area.  We obviously love to recruit the Midwest and feel like Tyler fits our model perfectly.  He's a great student who is going to excel at the University.  In addition, Tyler is starting to grow as an athlete.  We see his athletic ability, his tennis IQ, and his determination as being factors where he is just beginning to blossom.  We are thrilled to welcome Tyler and his family."

Kenta Miyoshi | MITA International School | Kawasaki, Japan

• U15 All Japan Junior Tennis Tournament Winner
• U18 All Japan Junior Tennis Tournament Runner-up

Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois because the campus is amazing, coaches and team members are great fit to me, and I think the quality of tennis courts, training center and all other facilities will help my dream come true. With the excellent academic level and the top ranked tennis team, Illinois is the best college for me to enroll."

Dancer and Asse on Miyoshi
"We are thrilled to welcome Kenta to the Fighting Illini Family.  As we have followed his growth we are confident he's on a big time upward trajectory.  He's a tremendous student, comes from a family of elite athletes, and is very familiar with college tennis, having already lived in New York. Kenta is excited about the plethora of opportunities awaiting him at Illinois and we see him utilizing all of our resources to become another standout Student-Athlete representing Illini Tennis."