Moraine Valley women’s tennis poised for dominant 2026 campaign

The 2026 Moraine Valley Community College women's tennis team is leaning into positivity and enthusiasm for what could shape up to be a highly successful year.

This is the second season for Head Coach Simona Tomczak, but it is the first team entirely recruited by her.

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"This is my team, and I've got some good players. I got lucky. I have good tennis players with good technique," she said. "This group looks good, and I feel we're going to win regionals."

In the offseason, Tomczak gave her players workouts that incorporated weightlifting and sprint intervals to improve their match play. She already can tell during practice that these implementations have improved the team's court skills.

Returning after a successful first year are 2025 individual Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference champions Marietta Farraj (Stagg), Tamera Farraj (Stagg) and Sydney Rutkowski (Lincoln-Way West), who filled every match with passion and drive. Each put in extra work during the offseason and is eager to start. Joining them is top recruit Andrea Rehus (Stagg), Kristina Laska (Sandburg), Meda Bliudziute (Lockport), Brooke Gluszek (Bremen) and Darren Hill (Lincoln-Way East).

The sophomore trio will have some competition for spots in the lineup, but Tomczak generally believes each of her players is talented. All she asks is for the athletes to put their hearts into the game and bring good attitudes to the team dynamic.

"I told the players to bring enthusiasm and positivity to the team. I know you can't be 100% happy all the time but know how you can bounce back and get out of your head," Tomczak explained. "I played tennis at Moraine Valley and still play tennis, so I know what they're going through."

Overall, the team's goals are to have fun on the courts and, of course, to win. Tomczak also will speak with the athletes to learn their individual goals and what they want to improve.

"I'm very happy with this team, and I believe we're going to win," Tomczak expressed. "We're looking strong already, and we're ready. I think we'll be a dominating team."

The Cyclones open their season at home on Thursday, Aug. 27, 3:30 p.m., against North Park University.

For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.