Chicago State Women’s Tennis Team Makes History with First NCAA Tournament Berth
The Chicago State women’s tennis team has defied the odds and made history by clinching their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. After a rocky start to the season with a 3-9 record, the Cougars turned things around and went on an impressive winning streak, securing seven straight victories and 13 out of 14 overall.
Coach Jack Barton praised his team’s resilience and determination, stating, “It built a lot of confidence in them. Even through the adversity, they stuck together and kept fighting because they believed in themselves and each other.” The players, hailing from five different continents including countries like Cameroon, Spain, Russia, and Serbia, have formed a close-knit bond that has propelled them to success.
Manuella Eloundou, a player from Cameroon, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament, calling it a “dream come true” after all the hard work and challenges they have faced. Amina Taibi, a player from Spain, highlighted the team’s unity, describing them as a family with the coach as their second father.
The Cougars will face a tough challenge in their first-round matchup against the No. 2 seed Michigan Wolverines, who boast a 26-3 record. Despite being the underdogs, Chicago State is ready to prove themselves on the national stage and see if the Cinderella story can continue.
Stay tuned to see if the Cougars can continue their remarkable journey in the NCAA Tournament and make even more history for their program.