May 16, 2025

WKU Women’s Tennis Welcomes Ecuadorian Star Ariadna Fernandez

News Summary

The WKU Women’s Tennis team has announced the signing of Ecuadorian standout Ariadna Fernandez for the 2025-26 season. Coming from Arkansas State, Fernandez boasts a commendable record and has made significant contributions to her national team. This addition, along with other key transfers, aims to enhance the team’s performance, following a successful previous season where they achieved the third-most wins in program history. Coach Greg Davis expresses confidence in the rising profile of the program both athletically and academically.

Bowling Green, KY – The WKU Women’s Tennis team has secured a promising addition for the 2025-26 season with the signing of Ecuadorian star Ariadna Fernandez, announced by Head Coach Greg Davis on May 15, 2025. Fernandez, who is set to join the team in the fall of 2025, arrives from Arkansas State, where she compiled an impressive record of 15 wins over her two seasons, including 11 victories in her freshman year.

Fernandez’s achievements extend beyond collegiate tennis, as she is a native of Quito, Ecuador, and has represented her country on the Ecuadorian Junior National Team. Notable accomplishments include being a finalist in the ITF J60 tournament in Quito and earning a gold medal in singles as well as a bronze medal in doubles at the National Pre-Youth Games.

In addition to her on-court skills, Fernandez has also excelled in academics, graduating with honors and achieving the highest GPA in her class. She is the fourth addition to WKU’s roster for the upcoming season, joining transfers such as Andra Sirbu from Bradley, along with Barbara Olvera and Virginia Madueño Pita.

The WKU Women’s Tennis team finished the 2025 season with a record of 15-10, including a remarkable 12-6 at home. The total of 15 wins ties for the third-most in program history, while the 12 wins at home are the highest recorded in a single season.

Player Recognitions

On May 13, 2025, three players from the WKU Women’s Tennis team were honored by being named to the College Sports Communicators 2024-25 Academic All-District Women’s Tennis Team. Sofia Blanco, Sunskrithi Damera, and Mariana Zegada received this recognition. This marks the third consecutive time Blanco has achieved this honor, while it is the first for both Damera and Zegada.

Blanco graduated with a 3.91 GPA in Business Data Analytics and has been a part of the CUSA All-Academic Team for three straight years. Throughout her career, she accumulated a record of 108 combined career singles and doubles wins—the most in program history. In addition, she ranks second in both career singles wins (56) and doubles wins (52).

During the spring of 2025, Blanco posted a 16-7 record in singles and a 14-9 record in doubles alongside partner Rachel Hermanova. The duo achieved national recognition, becoming the first WKU doubles team to rank in the ITA Division I Women’s Tennis Doubles Rankings, coming in at number 85. Blanco received the title of CUSA Women’s Tennis Athlete of the Week twice and was honored with All-CUSA Second Team Singles recognition.

Other Academic Achievements

Damera achieved a 3.88 GPA in her undergraduate studies and a 3.85 GPA in her graduate studies, finishing her career with 31 singles wins, which is tied for the eighth-most in program history. Meanwhile, Zegada excelled with a 3.96 GPA, accumulating a total of 75 combined career singles and doubles wins, placing her third in program history. Zegada ranks third in career doubles wins (41) and fifth in singles wins (34).

During the spring season, Damera posted an 11-8 record in singles and secured six wins in doubles, while Zegada completed the season with an 11-5 record in singles and a 9-5 record in doubles.

Looking Ahead

The WKU Women’s Tennis program aims to build on its recent successes, both athletically and academically, under the leadership of Coach Davis. The addition of Fernandez, coupled with the accomplishments of Blanco, Damera, and Zegada, showcases the steady growth and rising profile of the program within collegiate athletics.

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