The North Alabama women's tennis team has received an invitation to the prestigious 2027 ITA Kickoff Weekend, marking a historic first for the program. Ranked No. 84, they will compete at the University of North Carolina from January 22-24 against tough opponents, including No. 5 North Carolina, No. 26 Miami, and No. 29 South Carolina. This achievement follows a successful season where the team posted a 17-7 overall record, including an undefeated home record. Director Olaya Garrido-Rivas expressed pride in the team’s selection, highlighting the opportunity to compete against top national programs.

By the Numbers
  • UNA finished sixth in the ITA Southern Regional Rankings.
  • The team ended the season with a 17-7 overall record and a perfect 7-0 at home.
  • The Lions triumphed over Kansas State for their first win against a Power Four opponent.
State of Play
  • The women's team is the highest-ranked mid-major program in their region, surpassing several notable programs.
  • They made an impressive run in the UTR Sports NIT Championship, reaching the finals after defeating Army and Kansas State.
What's Next

As the team prepares for the ITA Kickoff Weekend, they will focus on training and strategy to compete against some of the top university tennis programs in the nation. This experience may provide a valuable benchmark for further accomplishments in the season.

Bottom Line

This invitation not only signifies a milestone for the North Alabama women's tennis program but also offers a platform to gauge their development against elite competition, potentially setting the stage for future successes.