Pacific men’s and women’s tennis programs will carry momentum into the spring as they compete for championships in the West Coast Conference.

“We had a strong fall and added new faces to the roster who will continue to build the program. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish as a team and demonstrate all the hard work that has been put in,” said sophomore Riley Hillenbrand ’26.

With a blend of seniors and underclassmen, the Tiger men spent the fall cohesively building the foundation they will utilize for the upcoming spring.

“We focused on culture building. I’m particularly proud of how far they have come in this area,” said men’s tennis coach Robin Goodman. “They play as a team, help each other with school and are genuinely positive influences on one another.”

Tigers return three All-Conference members and five All-Academic honorees recognized by the WCC in the 2022-23 season.

Junior transfer from Farleigh Dickinson Justas Trainauskas ’25 and senior Peter Alam ’24 joined forces in doubles for the first time this fall. They completed an 8-0 run through the regional and super regional to reach the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Fall Nationals in 2023.

They were the second Tiger tandem to make the invitational since 2017. They made further history by becoming the only pair from Pacific to advance in the fall national tournament after their first round win over Duke. They earned the No. 19 ranking in the ITA College Tennis Rankings.

Sophomore Tiago Silva ’26 also had an impressive fall. He earned a No. 107 national ranking in singles after a 10-2 record.

“We had a dominant fall semester with a great record and multiple players obtaining a national ranking,” Goodman said. “This not only makes a statement nationally, but also helps instill our team with belief and confidence as we move into the spring.”

The men set a precedent academically as they posted the highest men’s team GPA on campus in the fall of 2023. Four student-athletes made the Dean’s Honor Roll and the team combined for a 3.62 GPA.

“I’m super excited for the spring. As a team, we have matured over the past few years, and I am confident we are ready to consistently compete at a high level,” Hillenbrand said. “Being surrounded by a diverse, talented and experienced group of athletes gives us confidence and trust in one another.”

The Tigers open at Eugene, Oregon to take on host Oregon and Seattle University Jan. 20-21. Pacific debuts at home against UC Davis Friday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. See the full schedule.

Women’s tennis

Senior captain Klara Kosan ’24 and senior Zoe Cyldesdale-Eberle ’24 return for their fifth years. A three-time second team All-WCC honoree, Kosan earned eight wins in singles and seven in doubles a year ago and was part of a doubles team that upset the No. 1 ranked duo in the country from Pepperdine. Her expertise and experience remain a critical factor in the progression of success Pacific has seen in its past few seasons.

“After a solid fall, our team and staff are eager to get our squad back on court,” said women’s tennis coach Mike Erwin. “We have had individual breakouts in the fall over the last few years, but the overall development and depth of success this year has us excited. With a healthy group of returners and standout newcomers Indiya McLeod and Milena Mayorova, we feel we can compete with anyone.”

The women collected 33 singles wins in their six fall tournaments. Kosan had eight singles victories in four tournament appearances to lead all Tigers. McLeod impressed in her first outings at Pacific, earning five victories. Pacific’s three juniors—Alexis Sam ’25, Megan Carmichael ’25 and Tomi Main ’25—combined for 16 singles wins.

“We had a great fall with some strong individual performances, and I’m excited to see how this new group will come together in the spring,” Carmichael said. “We have a number of returners and some new players who will definitely make an impact. I think we have everything we need to be successful going into our main season. I’m excited to get on court and compete with my teammates.”

Women’s tennis opens on the road, traveling to Long Beach State for a three-day invitational Jan. 19-21. The Tigers home debut is March 3 against the University of San Francisco, coinciding with their first conference match of the year. See the full schedule.