The Coastal Carolina University women’s tennis team is gearing up for the 2025 season with high hopes of continuing to build on their past successes.
With a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers, the team is ready to tackle a challenging schedule, set to begin on Jan. 19, 2025, against the University of South Carolina.
Dedicated to growth, assistant coach Kurt Caster has helped develop the program into a competitive force in collegiate tennis. Caster is excited to work with this year’s fun and hardworking team.
“I think we have a good mix of older players and new young players,” Caster said.
The Chanticleers’ 2025 schedule is packed with competitive matchups against strong non-conference teams including Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Elon University and the College of Charleston.
While there is some tough competition early on, Caster is confident those matches will prepare the team for the Sun Belt Conference (SBC).
“I think those matches will be what will contribute to us being successful throughout our conference schedule,” he said.
The team will be looking to improve on its previous 14-9 record and make a strong push toward the NCAA tournament with last season coming to an abrupt end in the SBC quarterfinals.
Key returners will anchor the squad with four returning from last season, alongside new faces who bring added depth and energy.
Senior Nicole Abel said she hopes to have a winning record, eager to work with the team.
“The team brings a lot of energy and good vibes,” Abel said. “Everybody has a good spirit and fight, so it’s just really fun to compete with them.”
Graduate student Katya Hersh aims to leave it all on the court and is confident in her teammate’s abilities.
“We can’t always control the outcome of the overall match since it’s a team sport, but if I give my best out there, I’m going to be pretty satisfied, and I think that’s the same for the rest of the team,” Hersh said.
Coastal Carolina fans can expect high-level competition as the team strives to make a mark in the SBC and beyond.
Hersh is looking forward to playing Marshall and Appalachian State Universities. The team hasn’t seen a match against App State since March 23, 2022, when the Chants won 4-0 at home.
“You’re not gonna hear a louder team, winning or losing—you’re gonna know we are out here,” she said.
The Chanticleers will play their home opener against Charleston Southern University on Feb. 20, followed by a packed slate of home and away games.
