For the first time in program history, both the Catawba College men’s and women’s tennis teams have advanced to the NCAA Division II Tennis National Championships, marking a historic moment for the College, its student-athletes, and a growing tennis program that has built this season through talent, determination, and belief.
The milestone is especially meaningful because it belongs to both teams. In the same postseason, on the same home courts, Catawba’s men’s and women’s programs each earned their way onto the national stage, bringing new attention to the depth, momentum, and competitive spirit of Catawba Athletics.
The No. 7-ranked and top-seeded Catawba women’s tennis team secured its first-ever trip to nationals with a 4-2 win over No. 15-ranked and fourth-seeded North Georgia at the Johnson Tennis Center on Saturday. The victory was sealed by Lili Drukerova, who clinched the match in dramatic fashion with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 singles win, coming back from 0-40 in the final game to send Catawba to the national championship site.
Just days later, the No. 7-ranked and top-seeded Catawba men’s tennis team followed with its own historic breakthrough, defeating No. 18-ranked and fifth-seeded Wingate 4-2 at the Johnson Tennis Center on Tuesday.Alessandro Valletta delivered the clinching singles victory, battling back after dropping the first set to win 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 and secure the program’s first trip to the NCAA Division II National Championships.
Together, the wins represent more than postseason success. They reflect years of work, growth, and commitment from student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who have helped elevate Catawba Tennis into a national contender.
“This is what makes college athletics so powerful,” said Michelle Caddigan, vice president of athletics at Catawba College. “These teams have worked for this moment, but they have also brought people together. Their success is inspiring to our campus, our alumni, and our community. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and excited to cheer them on in Surprise.”
The NCAA Division II Tennis National Championships bring together the top teams in the country for the final rounds of national competition. Only a small, elite group of the top DII tennis programs maintain high-ranking, competitive teams for both genders simultaneously. For Catawba, the trip to Surprise marks a new chapter and an opportunity for both programs to continue making history.
As the teams prepare to compete on the national stage, they carry with them the support of the Catawba community and the pride of a season already remembered as one of the most significant in Catawba athletics history.
For Catawba Tennis, the message is simple: Good goes far. This year, it goes all the way to Arizona.
