MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The Montevallo men's and women's tennis teams open the 2026 spring season this weekend in Columbus, Ga., as the Falcons face Columbus State on Friday at 1:00 p.m. before taking on Georgia College at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
On the women's side, Montevallo returns a strong core from a team that finished 9-8 in 2025 and advanced to the Gulf South Conference Tournament Semifinals after knocking off No. 3 seed Lee in the quarterfinals. Seniors Klara Podskubkova and Latizia Bojara headline the returning group. Podskubkova anchored the Falcons at No. 1 singles last season, earning seven wins, and paired with Claire Jaramba for a 9-7 doubles mark. Bojara added depth to the lineup, going 2-1 at No. 6 singles and finishing 6-7 in No. 3 doubles play.
Head coach Tanner Stancil emphasized the importance of veteran leadership in a competitive GSC. "Experience is not something you can teach or learn. It has to be earned," Stancil said. "You have to be in the conference tournament to win it," he added when asked about the team's goals this season.
Podskubkova is confident in the strides her teammates have made entering the new year. "I am excited to see Latizia play this year. She worked really hard to earn a spot in the lineup," Podskubkova said. "I am also excited to see Claire (Jaramba). She is my doubles partner, so I am excited to share the court with her again."
Jaramba returns for her junior season after splitting time between the No. 2 and No. 3 singles positions and collecting six wins. Junior Ella De Jesus is also back after posting a 7-3 overall record during her freshman campaign in 2024.
The Falcons also welcome three newcomers expected to make an immediate impact. Union Commonwealth transfer Anna Nevada Henriksen brings collegiate experience after winning eight matches at the NAIA level last season. "Henriksen has experience playing a good level of tennis, and she is going to help us in the lineup," Stancil said. Sophia Baillos arrives from Wallace State-Hanceville after compiling a 15-4 singles record and a 17-4 doubles mark, while freshman Andrea Cano is expected to factor into the lineup in her debut season.
Bojara has already been impressed by the newcomers' contributions. "All three newcomers have impressed in a positive way," Bojara said. "Andrea Cano has really impressed me. I think it's really cool to see someone find a new passion in the sport. Sophia, she gets every ball. Whenever you think the point is over, it's not."
On the men's side, the Falcons return a nucleus led by juniors Leonidas Lazarides, Simon Luigs and Ryota Nakajima. Samuel Maia is also set to return after an injury sidelined him for much of the 2025 spring and fall seasons.
Luigs earned six wins at the No. 2 doubles position last year, while Nakajima posted a 5-6 record at No. 5 singles. Sophomores Luiz Gobbi and Guilherme Gracioli return following solid freshman campaigns, with Gracioli leading the team with a 10-4 singles record.
Stancil believes this year's roster stands out for its balance and internal competition. "We have a lot of newcomers. It's definitely a lot more consistent in the level of play. Everyone can beat everyone," Stancil said. "Having depth is very important, and that sets us apart from previous years."
He also pointed to noticeable improvement among key returners. "Samuel has improved a lot, especially coming off the injury from last year, and Guilherme has made big improvements from last spring to the fall, and to now," Stancil added.
Nakajima said his own growth has come both mentally and physically. "I would say both mentally and physically," Ryota Nakajima said. "I've played three years, and I have gained a lot of experience. (Strength and Conditioning) Coach Diogo Mazzaco has pushed us this offseason."
The Falcons bring in six freshmen this spring: Christian Bacher, Evan Chapuis, Edgar Dufresne, Luca Hernandez, Filippo Mignani and Linus Sparding. Simon Luigs highlighted two who have stood out early.
"All the freshmen are working really hard, but the two that stand out are Edgar (Dufresne). He has a very good mentality, competes for every point and leads by example. Christian (Bacher) is very ambitious, a very solid player with a big serve and very good net game," said Luigs. "I am looking forward to both of them competing for us this season."
Nakajima closed with a message for the Falcon fans. "We're going to put 100 percent on the court, and we can't wait to play in front of fans."
The 2026 home opener is set for March 6, when the Falcons host West Florida at the Tennis Court Complex at 10:00 a.m.
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