2024 NSIC Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches' Poll

1/31/2024 10:00:00 AM

AUGUSTANA PICKED FIRST IN NSIC PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL

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BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Augustana University was again selected in the NSIC Preseason Women's Tennis Coaches’ Poll to win the NSIC. The Vikings are the 13-time defending NSIC Champions,  have won 151 consecutive NSIC regular season matches and have been picked to win the league every year since the preseason poll's inception in 2018. 

The Vikings amassed 81 points and all nine first place votes after going 21-4 and 11-0 in the NSIC in 2023, while advancing to the second round of the NCAA Central Region Tournament. Minnesota State was selected second with 71 points and the other first place vote (coaches cannot vote for their own team). 

The preseason coaches’ poll is based off each coach ranking each team with the top team receiving 9 points, second 8, third 7, etc. 

The 2024 NSIC Women's Tennis season gets underway on Friday, February 2 with non-conference action. The 2024 NSIC Women's Tennis Tournament will consist of the top eight teams in the final NSIC standings competing in a single elimination format on April 26-28 at Huether Family Match Pointe in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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Florentia Hadjigeorgiou (Sr., Deryneia, Cyprus / G C School of Careers Nicosia) - Augustana University
  • 2023 NSIC Player of the Year
  • Two-Time NSIC Preseason Player of the Year 
  • Three-Time NSIC All-Conference First Team Singles
  • Three-Time NSIC All-Conference First Team Doubles
  • Was 17-4 in singles play, all at No.1 singles
  • Went 14-8 in doubles, partnered with Aleksandra Kistanova and Senem Ocal
Florentia is a senior and team captain this year and she's had an excellent career at Augustana. She had a strong showing this fall and made it to the national ITA Fall Cup. She is one of the top ranked players in the region and nation so we are looking for great things from her this year.
Head Coach Marc Kurtz

1 - AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY 

We are excited about the year and to get the dual match season underway. We return many faces from last year and also add three newcomers to the team. We are going to be solid up and down the lineup from No. 1 to No. 8 so we will have the depth this year.
Head Coach Marc Kurtz
Florentia is a senior and team captain this year and she's had an excellent career at Augustana. She had a strong showing this fall and made it to the national ITA Fall Cup. She is one of the top ranked players in the region and nation so we are looking for great things from her this year.
Head Coach Marc Kurtz

10 - BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

We are very excited about this mix of veteran and incoming student-athletes. They are a very positive group and support each other very well. Everyone has a role to play in the competitive success of the team, and they understand their roles well. They also show a strong desire to improve and are a very competitive group. We are looking forward to a great year with this tremendous group of student-athletes, and being successful both on and off the courts!
Head Coach Kyle Fodness
Kate has been a great addition to the team and we are looking forward to seeing her compete in the 2024 season. She brings a great competitive attitude and a strong understanding of the game. She has also been a great supporter of her teammates and shows tremendous sportsmanship.
Head Coach Kyle Fodness

3 - UNIVERSITY OF MARY

I look forward to the growth of this team whose common goal is improvement every day. They are equally focused on the court and academically.
Head Coach Vida Saliendra
Chloe brings her competitive spirit and tenacity on and off the court. She consistently brings energy to practices with her positive attitude, cheerful personality and her leadership strengthens the cohesiveness of the team.
Head Coach Vida Saliendra

8 - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

We have a good mix of returners and newcomers, and they have great team chemistry. Our team is highly motivated and that is very exciting to see. Their work ethic has really impressed me.
Head Coach Josh Lunak
Maddi was First Team All-NSIC selection last year. She is the ultimate competitor. She loves to compete and works so hard both on and off the court. She also thrives in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA graduating in Software Engineering this spring semester.
Head Coach Josh Lunak

9 - UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

I am beyond thrilled for the upcoming tennis season with the UMD Bulldogs! Our dynamic and talented ladies bring not only skill but also a contagious energy to the court. Get ready for an exciting season filled with fierce competition, camaraderie, and the strategic thrill of manipulating our lineup. This season is bound to be nothing short of fantastic!
Head Coach Jessica Worden
Carly kicked off her debut season with UMD in spectacular fashion, making waves by clinching the team record for most consecutive wins in program history. Beyond her formidable presence on the court, Carly excels in academics, conquers the weight room, and actively contributes to the community. She embodies the all-around player that makes me immensely proud to have her as a vital part of our team
Head Coach Jessica Worden

2 - MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

I am excited about the opportunity to take an already solid team and help them become even more. They wanna be pushed to be the best which is all I can ask for as a coach. In addition I get to work and learn from my two assistant coaches who have been incredible to work alongside with.
Head Coach Tristen Bryant-Otake
We are so happy to have Chiara back for her last year! She is coming off of a great 2022-23 season and I can’t wait to see her back in NSIC action. She has stepped up as a co-captain this year alongside Avery Stilwell. I know her leadership, experience, and confidence will help lead our team to another great year.
Head Coach Tristen Bryant-Otake

7 - MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

I am very excited to have the top of our lineup returning. Shaelyn and Tiannah are steady players. I am also excited to see how some of our other players fill in through the bottom of our lineup. We have the potential to be a deep team this year. Madison, our team captain, is a great leader and I love the camaraderie she has created.
Head Coach Alexis Konecne
Shaelyn is a strong competitor who is always trying to improve her game. She plays in many leagues and tournaments in the off season. She is a highly respected coach in the community and helps put on tournaments in the Fargo/Moorhead area.
Head Coach Alexis Konecne

4 - UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

With everyone one returning and the addition of a strong freshmen class, I'm very excited about this years team, and all the possibilities we can have.
Head Coach Kevin Grebin
Danielle brings a wealth of experience and leadership as a (3) year varsity player along with a positive and supportive attitude. She looks to include all her team mates with activities both on and off the courts, that helps them improve and contribute to the overall well being of themselves and the tennis team.
Head Coach Kevin Grebin

6 - ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY 

We have more upper-class-women on the team than we have had in the past few years and will be exciting to see how they, along with our incoming first years, come together as a team. They all have a lot of potential and are capable great success on the tennis court!
Head Coach Berit Merrill
Jo had a tremendous record last season in singles and she continues to improve and grow her game. She is also an outstanding doubles player, with great tennis strategy and instincts. It will be exciting to see what she accomplishes this year!
Head Coach Berit Merrill

5- WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Warriors will have a completely new look after losing long time No. 1 and 2 singles Beth Murman and Rachel Kelly. Sara Anderson will be stepping up to play a top position followed by our five returning players and four first year players and two transfers, Halle Rosentter and Elysia Beynun. This will be a new and exciting team to follow as we will work hard to be competitive in the NSIC.
Head Coach Tom Sanvik
Lainy was a five-time singles participant in the Wisconsin state tournament and is one of our top freshman on our team.
Head Coach Tom Sanvik
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