Alex Viktorovitch Dedicates Her ODU Women’s Tennis Career to Her Late Father

Alexandra Viktorovitch, a fifth-year senior on the Old Dominion women’s tennis team, has overcome immense personal tragedy to excel both on and off the court.

Five years ago, while preparing for a road trip to Iowa City for matches against Iowa and Colorado, Alex received a devastating phone call informing her that her father had passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer. Despite the immense grief and shock, Alex made the decision to continue playing tennis just two days after her father’s death.

Since then, Alex has dedicated herself to honoring her father’s memory through her achievements. She has been a key player in leading ODU to multiple conference titles and has excelled academically, earning an undergraduate degree in business management and pursuing her MBA.

Alex’s journey to ODU was influenced by her Russian heritage and a connection with associate head coach Yana Sokolenko, who played a pivotal role in recruiting her. The team’s welcoming environment and support have helped Alex navigate her grief and continue to thrive both on and off the court.

As Alex prepares to compete in the NCAA Tournament with her teammates, she reflects on the impact her father had on her life and the motivation he provides her to succeed. Despite the challenges she has faced, Alex remains resilient and determined to make her father proud in everything she does.