USF Tennis

By : Ella Hancock

The University of Sioux Falls women’s tennis team amps up their excitement as their 2026 season begins. The USF team hosted their opening conference matches on February 13 and 14 at their home courts, located at Huether Family Match Pointe. They faced off against the newest addition to their conference, Jamestown, and also met the University of Mary the following day. Head Coach of the USF women’s team for 26 years, Kevin Grebin, shared his optimism and belief in his team entering the start of their season. “This year looks great; I have a very strong team coming back filled with returners and experience; with some good in coming youth so we are excited about this year’s season.” Coach Grebin expanded on the impact that the senior class has had on the team and expressed his gratitude for all players within USF’s tennis program. “My seniors have had the most positive impact I’ve ever seen before in a group. The makeup and quality of my players that come into this program are a joy to be around and I will stay here for as long as that continues to be.” The 2026 class has four individuals who have remained at USF for all four years of their college career, with one redshirt senior, Emily Thinnsen, capping off her five-year career at USF. From an even closer insider perspective, as a player herself, Thinnsen shared her personal goals and hopeful desire for the team as a whole. “I want this season to look like perseverance, I want every point to be us trying our best out there and we’re gonna be the team that finishes strongest, no matter what the score says.” The tight knit connection shared between the girls, shows both on and off the court, with the friendships ranging far be yond just the time spent at USF. “Tennis has not just given me a purpose of coming to school, but it has given me friends, a community, and people that I am going to have in my life for a long time,” said Thinnsen. The USF women’s tennis team was ranked third in preseason rankings and is encouraged and dedicated to possessing their goals this season. For more information on the women’s tennis team schedule, visit USF cougars. com and be sure to come out to support your Cougar’s tennis team this semester!