Sun Devil Women’s Tennis Selected to NCAA Tournament for the 37th Consecutive Year
For the 37th straight season, the Arizona State Sun Devil Women’s Tennis team has punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament, solidifying one of the most consistent legacies in collegiate tennis history. Since 1985, the program has made 39 appearances in the NCAA postseason—an astonishing achievement that places them among the elite in the nation.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Sheila McInerney, who has helmed the program for over three decades, the Sun Devils have evolved into a symbol of excellence and stability. Year after year, the team continues to blend youth with experience, international talent with homegrown firepower, and fierce competition with academic excellence. This year’s squad is no exception.
Led by standout sophomore Valentina Bianchi and senior captain Lexi Ryngler, the team carved an impressive path through the 2025 regular season. Their 17-6 overall record included key victories over top-ranked rivals, including a gritty 4-3 triumph over USC and a dominant 6-1 win over Oregon. Playing on the fast courts of the Whiteman Tennis Center, the Sun Devils defended home turf with passion and precision, turning Tempe into a fortress feared by Pac-12 foes.
What sets this year’s qualification apart is not just the streak itself, but how it was earned. The team battled injuries mid-season, with their No. 2 and No. 4 singles players sidelined during critical matches. Rising to the occasion, freshmen like Noelle Ishikawa stepped into the spotlight, sealing match-clinching points with calm resilience. Their resilience was on full display in the final match of the regular season, a nail-biting 4-3 win over Utah that solidified their place in the NCAA bracket.
Coach McInerney, reflecting on the selection, said, “It’s always special. Every team writes its own chapter, and this group showed heart and character all season long. Making it to the NCAA Tournament never gets old—it’s a reflection of their work, their sacrifice, and their belief in each other.”
Arizona State’s historic 39 NCAA appearances since 1985 highlight not only athletic achievement but institutional support for women’s sports. The program’s emphasis on holistic development—balancing athletics with academics and leadership—has turned its athletes into professional players, coaches, doctors, and business leaders across the globe.
Their first-round matchup this year will be against the University of San Diego, a rising program known for its scrappy doubles play. If victorious, the Sun Devils could face No. 8 seed Pepperdine in the second round—a tough but familiar opponent they last faced in 2023, narrowly losing in a 4-3 heartbreaker.
As they prepare to travel to Malibu for the opening rounds, the team carries not only rackets and gear but also the weight of a remarkable legacy—and the burning desire to make this tournament one to remember.
After all, at Arizona State, excellence isn’t just a goal. It’s tradition.
