In the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s March 19 tennis rankings for Division II women’s tennis, Point Loma Nazarene University received its highest national ranking ever, at No. 15. Since then, they’ve moved up two spots to achieve a new highest ranking, at No. 13, with an overall record of 14-3. In doubles matches, they’re 26-16. In singles matches, they’re an even more impressive 71-24.
The 2025 team is on a similar path as last year’s team; each lost two matches early in the season and proceeded to go on a roll. After 17 matches, the 2024 team was also at 14-3, though one of this team’s losses was in an exhibition match against San Diego State University, meaning it doesn’t count toward league standings. Melissa Zirkle, a second-year applied health science major, said the experience of last year was foundational to the success of the current squad.
“I think last year was quite record breaking for women’s tennis, and a lot of us were all freshmen,” Zirkle said. “So I’d say if there’s one difference, it’s just that we’re more mature of a team and have come in with experience to build upon.”
Head Coach Curt Wheeler is in his 11th year at PLNU, coaching both the men’s and women’s tennis teams. Arianna Audelo, a fourth-year dietetics major, attributes much of the team’s success to Wheeler’s efforts. Audelo is 11-2 in singles matches and 12-1 with her doubles partner, Quin Brady, a second-year psychology major.
“There are so many great things that I can say about Coach Wheeler, but I’d have to say that something that makes him an amazing and effective coach is his ability to completely change a negative mindset on court,” Audelo said. “Something else is that coach has an amazing poker face. By this, I mean he’ll never show any type of disappointment if we miss any ‘easy’ shots, and that really helps our attitudes on court.”
There’s a lot to look forward to for PLNU women’s tennis: Of the seven players on the roster, there’s only one fourth- and one third-year. Of the remaining five, there are four second-years and one first-year. In theory, the young core of this team could stick together for the next couple of years and prolong the immense success of the team. And though Audelo, being the lone fourth-year on the team, is viewed as a leader, she said that everyone is a leader in their own regard, and the team’s camaraderie is a contributing factor to that.
“Our team dynamic is amazing,” Audelo said. “Every year, it gets better and better for multiple reasons. One reason is because we all live on campus, so it’s really easy for us to hang out pretty often. … It’s easy to get along with people who also want to work hard for the team.”
With three regular season matches remaining, PLNU is on track to have a high seed for the PacWest Championships. Their 14-3 overall record is second only to Azusa Pacific University, at 16-1. APU beat the Sea Lions 5-2 in their first match earlier in the season and defeated them again in their most recent match, 4-3.
This season has undoubtedly been a success, but the squad has their sights set on something bigger than a great regular season.
“The goal is, of course, to make it to Nationals and win as much as we can,” Antonia Barth, a first-year accounting major, said. “We have the talent, the chemistry and the determination to go far this season, and I’m confident that if we keep supporting each other and giving our best, we can reach that end goal together. “
PLNU’s next match is on Wednesday, April 9, at 4 p.m. at PLNU against the University of California San Diego.
Makenna Richardson