Entertainment
New Jersey's Tennis Stars Set to Shine in NCAA Championships
2025-04-29
As the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s tennis championships approach, a spotlight falls on the talented athletes hailing from the Garden State. With numerous accolades under their belts, these players are set to make waves on the national stage. Discover how New Jersey's finest are contributing to their respective teams' success.
Unveiling Talent: The Road to Waco
The journey of New Jersey's tennis prodigies begins anew as they prepare for the prestigious NCAA finals at Hurd Tennis Center in Waco, Texas. These players have already proven themselves in high school tournaments and collegiate circuits, showcasing an exceptional level of skill and dedication.Garden State Representation in Women's Teams
Prominent female athletes from New Jersey will compete across several esteemed university rosters. Among them is Sydney Sharma from Watchung Hills, whose senior year at Boston University reflects her consistent excellence since her high school days. Similarly, Yahli Noy, representing Bryant University, carries the legacy of Closter tennis into collegiate competition. Lan Mi, playing for California, brings Berkeley Heights’ tradition of strong tennis performance to the West Coast. Meanwhile, Anias Jenkins from Fairleigh Dickinson University, hailing from Clifton, contributes significantly to her team with fresh energy and strategic prowess. Harvard's Kavya Karra and Stephanie Yakoff exemplify how Princeton Junction talent can dominate Ivy League competitions. Nibi Ghosh at Notre Dame and Anagha Shankar at Quinnipiac continue to uphold their reputations built during their East Brunswick years. South Carolina benefits immensely from Whippany native Kaitlyn Carnicella, while Stanford boasts Livingston's Valencia Xu. Daria Smetannikov, from Red Bank Catholic, excels at Texas A&M, and Nevena Carton from Wake Forest adds another layer of complexity to her Locust roots.Men's Contributions from New Jersey
On the men's side, Jonathan Arbittier of Binghamton leads with experience gained through Mendham's rigorous training environment. Bucknell finds strength in Summit's Brendan McDonald and Liam Kilmer, alongside Will Robinson, who transitioned smoothly from Delbarton School. Columbia showcases Newark Academy's Andrew Kotzen and Michael Zheng, along with Nicolas Kotzen and Stanly Shukhman, all demonstrating Livingston's influence.Cornell's Adit Sinha represents North Brunswick admirably, whereas Princeton gains momentum through Evan Wen from Morristown. Alex Yang, having graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro South, bolsters Quinnipiac's lineup. Rice welcomes Josh Mandelbaum, known for his Newark Academy background. Stanford thrives under Samir Banerjee's leadership, originating from Ridge High School. Tennessee leverages Alex Kotzen's global perspective, complemented by Virginia's James Hopper from Montgomery. RJ Fresen, hailing from Short Hills, rounds out the roster with seasoned play. Finally, Rohan Belday from Washington introduces West Orange flair to Pacific Northwest tennis.Preparation and Anticipation
As anticipation builds for the initial rounds scheduled from May 2-5, followed by super regionals May 9-11, each player prepares meticulously. Their commitment to excellence mirrors the hard work instilled in them throughout their formative years in New Jersey. This preparation phase not only tests physical capabilities but also mental resilience, crucial elements that define championship-level tennis.The final showdowns slated for mid-May promise thrilling encounters filled with suspense and admiration for every athlete involved. Fans eagerly await witnessing how these individuals, nurtured within New Jersey’s vibrant tennis culture, perform against some of the best in the nation.