ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell women's tennis team enters the 2025-26 season with momentum, depth, and a strong returning core as head coach Katie Zordani leads a group that blends proven Ivy League talent with fresh potential. The Big Red opens play at the Columbia Invitational on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center.

"I think right now we're at a higher level than we have been in years past," said Zordani, The Carl H. Meinig '31 Head Coach of Women's Tennis. "On paper, this is one of the strongest teams Cornell has had in recent years, which makes it a really exciting year."

At the forefront are junior Michelle Ryndin and sophomore Sage Loudon, both All-Ivy selections in singles and doubles last spring. Ryndin, the Big Red's top singles player in 2024–25, posted a 12-7 record against elite competition at No. 1 singles. Loudon made an immediate impact as a freshman, going 10-9 primarily at No. 3 singles, while the duo teamed up for a 4-2 mark at No. 1 doubles, including 3-2 in Ivy play. Senior Emma Baker, an All-Ivy honorable mention in doubles, adds another experienced option in the lineup.

The supporting cast provides crucial depth. Juniors Victoria Zhao and Martina Marica, along with sophomore Andrea Martinez De Los Rios, bring versatility across the ladder, while seniors Tanya Fan and Gia Graziano return as veterans ready to contribute. Marica and Fan each notched winning singles records last season.

Freshman Dylan Gelber, a top-500 ITF junior from Montreal, is the lone newcomer and adds international pedigree to the roster.

"With nine players and a pretty small roster, everyone has an opportunity, and everyone should be leading," Zordani said. "The fall gives chances for those who didn't see as many matches before to compete and showcase the improvements they've made."

With three All-Ivy returners, seasoned veterans, and an exciting first-year addition, Cornell is poised to be a factor in the Ivy League race this season.