Jess Leifheit Assistant Director, Athletics Communication | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Jess Leifheit Assistant Director, Athletics Communication | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Illinois women's tennis team is set to compete in their 16th NCAA Team Tournament in program history during the 2025 campaign. The team earned an at-large bid during Monday's NCAA Tournament Selection Show and will face No. 30 Arizona in the first round in Charlottesville, Virginia. Competition begins on Friday, May 2.
Head coach Evan Clark expressed his pride in the team: "I'm so proud of this squad as they have battled all year and are very deserving of an NCAA tournament berth. We still feel like our best tennis is ahead of us and we will look to display that this weekend at Virginia."
The Fighting Illini commenced the 2025 postseason with a victory over 10th-seeded Northwestern in the Big Ten Women's Tennis Tournament First Round. However, Illinois was eliminated in the quarterfinals. The team has maintained a record of eight or more Big Ten victories for five consecutive seasons since the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the 2020 season. Additionally, they have won at least seven league matches in all nine seasons under Coach Clark.
The 2025 dual campaign presented one of the toughest schedules for the team, hosting the 2025 ITA Team Indoor Championships and competing against nine top-25 ranked teams. Illinois recorded six victories away from home, including five true road victories.
This marks the third consecutive season the Fighting Illini have made it to the NCAA Tournament under Coach Clark and the fifth appearance under his leadership. Across 16 NCAA Championships appearances, Illinois holds a 4-15 record, having reached the Round of 32 on four occasions in program history.
The first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament are held from May 2-4 at the Virginia Tennis Facility at the Boar's Head Resort, with No. 6 Virginia hosting. Illinois is 1-6 all-time against Arizona. FDU will face the host Cavaliers in the first round.
The championship site for the initial rounds spans 16 host sites, followed by super regionals from May 9-11, and concludes with the final rounds at Baylor's Hurd Tennis Center in Waco, Texas, from May 15-18.
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