Led by a solid group of returners and a mix of talented newcomers, the Emory Oxford Women's Tennis team claimed their 4th consecutive National Championship and record-breaking 5th overall.
The team had a rough start to the season dropping their first four matches against very tough opponents. But it seemed that this helped them as they went undefeated the rest of the season, including a dominating performance at the NJCAA Division III National Championships.
Highlights of the Season:
- First-year Victoria Jones went undefeated all season on her way to capturing the No. 1 Singles Title. She is the first freshman to capture this title since Emory Oxford's Hayley Keats captured the title in 2015.
- First-year Cody Lu won the No. 2 Singles Title and teamed up with Jones to win the No. 1 Doubles Title.
- Sophomore Ally Render repeated what she accomplished last year winning the No. 3 Singles Title.
- Render alongside classmate Joyce Min won the No. 2 Doubles Title. Min also captured the No. 5 Singles Title.
- Sophomore Preethi Dharmavarapu who won the No. 5 Singles Title last year moved up a spot becoming the No. 4 Singles Champion.
- Dharmavarapu teamed up with fellow sophomore Delaney Anderson to win the No. 3 Doubles Title.
- First-year June Woo captured the No. 6 Singles Title and also won the Spirit of the Competition Award.
- Head Coach Pernilla Hardin won the Coach of the Tournament Award after her girls went undefeated at Nationals.
- Jones, Lu, Render, Dharmavarapu, Min and Woo all achieved First Team Singles All-American.
- Jones, Lu, Render, Min, Dharmavarpu, and Anderson achieved First Team Doubles All-American.
First-year Jenna Shin was also a valuable part of the team. "Shin was always enthusiastic and willing to contribute in any way she could. Her generous and friendly spirit was a big help making this team be so incredible," said Coach Hardin.
"This group of girls are extremely special," stated Coach Hardin. "They are hard-working, fun-loving, and they were there for each other especially in the toughest of times. I could not be more happy than to be their coach and watch them grow and develop throughout the season."
The Women's Tennis team will play matches in the spring season. Their full schedule is available online.
Emory Oxford will see the departure of 4 outstanding sophomores but with a strong returning group and expected solid recruiting class, the Eagles look to win their 5th consecutive National Championship in the 2019-2020 season.
