Another season is in the books for the UBC Women’s Tennis Team. 2021-22 marked the first full competitive season for nearly two years, and the Thunderbirds took full advantage. Finishing with a 4-2 record, the level was the strongest to date, and the Thunderbirds are looking to build on their accomplishments in seasons to come.
The UBC TSC Women’s Tennis Team began the year by returning to in-person practices for the first time in nearly a year due to COVID-19. In October, along with the UBC TSC Men’s Tennis Team, the Thunderbirds hosted the second annual online Raffle Fundraiser (in lieu of the Tennis Mixer), partnering with many local businesses and engaging with hundreds of members of the local community. Throughout the season, the team also ran a Krispy Kreme fundraiser, and worked an Olivia Rodrigo concert, bringing in over $4,500 in fundraising to support court costs, equipment and travel to Edmonton. The Thunderbirds also continued their community outreach efforts, hosting their annual Tennis BC Exhibition match and continuing their longstanding partnership with sponsor, Rackets and Runners.
The Thunderbirds also excelled on the court with the strongest lineup to date–three of the rookies were added to the top eight competitive lineup. Overall, the Thunderbirds finished their season with a 4-2 record:
7-0 W vs. UofC Dinos (Away), November
0-7 L vs. UofA Pandas (Away), November
4-3 W vs. TBC Juniors (Home), January
7-0 W vs. SFU Dogs, BC Regionals (Home), February
7-0 W vs. UVIC Vikes, BC Regionals (Home), February
2-5 L vs. UofA Pandas, Western Canadian Championships (Home), March
The UBC TSC Women’s Tennis Team also received numerous accolades throughout the season. For the 2021-22 TSC Year End Awards, Crystal Sher, with an impressive 6-0 singles record, was awarded rookie of the year, while veteran Madi Fan was awarded athlete of the year. Club lead Izzy Evans was also a finalist for student leader of the year.
Athletes at the (Virtual) TSC Awards Gala
We are sad to see graduating players Audrey Chu, Jennie Jackson, Yizhen Song, Sher and Mikayla Fan depart from the team, but congratulate them on all of their accomplishments and wish them the best in their future endeavours!
The Thunderbirds will continue to train through the summer so that they can come back stronger and ready for the 2022-23 season. The team is excited to represent UBC competing on the first ever Open City League UBC Women’s Tennis team this summer. A number of current athletes and alums will compete against other teams around the lower mainland through May to July. We also congratulate the Men’s Tennis Team on their historic Westerns win which booked them a ticket to the National Championships in August.
The Thunderbirds will officially return in September with tryouts for the 2022-23 season. If you are interested in joining the UBC TSC Women’s Tennis Team, look out for tryout information released in early August. And if you are interested in supporting the team, please email them at womenstennis.sc@ubc.ca.
Off-court season highlights:
Post-match celebrations at Earls
Fun @ West Edmonton Mall
Aussie Open Final All-Nighter
Cheering on the Canadian Women at Billie Jean Cup