The UNK women’s tennis team begins the 2026 season hoping to continue its success. Last year, the Lopers shared the MIAA regular season title and advanced to the NCAA DII Sweet Sixteen, setting high expectations for the spring.
This season provides opportunities for both returning players and newcomers eager to make an impact.
“I feel the offseason was extremely beneficial,” said Clare Plachy, a fifth-year senior. “It gave me time to focus on strength, conditioning and consistency. I feel more confident going into the season.”
Scott Shafer, UNK tennis coach, returns All-American Fabiana Gamboa and Plachy while welcoming four freshmen to the roster, giving the team a mix of experience and depth heading into the spring schedule.
“We have some new faces, but the respect and support we have for each other is already there,” Plachy said. “Building off last season’s success, we’ve set higher standards and hold each other accountable.”
The Lopers enter the season coming off a 20-6 dual record and a top seed in the MIAA tournament. UNK will rely on its returning leaders to integrate the newcomers and maintain the high level of play that has become a hallmark of the program.
“To stay motivated, I focus on personal goals and leading by example,” Plachy said. “Bringing energy to practice and supporting teammates helps create a positive, competitive environment for everyone.”
With experienced leadership and new talent joining the squad, the Lopers are ready to build on last year’s accomplishments. UNK will look to carry confidence and momentum into the spring season while challenging for the top spots in the MIAA and making another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
On the men’s side, UNK finished the 2025 season with an 11-14 record and went 2-3 in MIAA/GAC conference play, earning the third seed in the north division for the league tournament. That experience will provide a foundation as the Lopers try to improve in only their third season back after the 2018 budget cuts.
The MIAA/GAC tennis season combines teams from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and the Great American Conference, with the two leagues competing together in a North and South division format landscape that is expected to look similar to last year. Washburn and Harding were picked as the preseason favorites by league head coaches, setting the tone for what should be a challenging spring.
This spring creates opportunities for returning players like junior Andy Brisdon, who will take on bigger roles while helping to continue development throughout the lineup.
Shafer returns five players from last year’s roster, including All-MIAA doubles team sophomore Ivan Melnik and senior Alex Jaulin. The experienced duo is expected to help guide the team through the early portion of the season.
“We have players who understand the level of play in this conference,” Shafer said. “That experience will help us continue to build and compete.”
