8 Reasons Why Wake Forest Women's Tennis Is A Must-Watch In The 2026 Season
The Wake Forest Women's Tennis program is entering the 2026 season with significant momentum, building on a highly successful 2025 campaign that saw key players achieve national recognition and the team maintain its elite status within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). As of late December 2025, the Demon Deacons are primed for another deep run, anchored by a blend of veteran leadership and promising new talent, all under the guidance of the program’s all-time winningest coach, Jeff Wyshner. This article dives into the latest roster, the key achievements from the previous season, and the historical context that makes Wake Forest a perennial powerhouse in collegiate tennis.
The 2025 season provided multiple highlights, including a crucial 4-2 victory over SMU during the ACC Championship tournament and numerous individual player accolades, demonstrating the team's depth and competitive fire. With the 2026 spring schedule now released, the focus shifts to extending their remarkable NCAA Tournament appearance streak and challenging for the coveted ACC title. The continued development of top players like Nevena Carton and Whitley Pate positions the Deacs as a formidable force on the national stage, making their upcoming matches in Winston-Salem, N.C., and on the road essential viewing for college tennis fans.
The 2025-2026 Wake Forest Women's Tennis Roster and Coaching Staff
The foundation of the Demon Deacons' consistent success lies in its stable, experienced coaching staff and a roster featuring a mix of highly-ranked international and domestic talent. Head Coach Jeff Wyshner, who secured a long-term contract extension after becoming the program’s winningest coach, leads the charge.
Coaching and Support Staff
- Head Coach: Jeff Wyshner (All-time winningest coach, entering his 16th season).
- Associate Head Coach: Andy Roland.
- Assistant Coach: Anna Ulyashchenko.
Key Players on the 2025-2026 Roster
The 2025-2026 squad features a core group of athletes who have already proven their ability to compete at the highest level of NCAA Division I tennis.
- Nevena Carton: Senior, a standout who ascended to the No. 1 singles spot in 2025 and earned ACC Player of the Week honors.
- Whitley Pate: A consistent performer who racked up double-digit solo victories in dual-match competition and was tied for the second-best mark in ACC play.
- Krystal Blanch: Redshirt-Junior from Boca Raton, Fla., a key contributor in both singles and doubles.
- Jingyi Li: An integral part of the doubles lineup, often clinching the doubles point for the Deacs.
- Sankavi Gownder: A talented player who paired with Whitley Pate in doubles for key victories.
- Heidi Bulger: Sophomore from Ocean Ridge, Fla.
- Aubrey Nisbet: Listed on the 2025-26 roster.
- Evie Oxford: Listed on the 2025-26 roster.
Nevena Carton's Rise and Key 2025 Season Highlights
The 2025 spring season was defined by the emergence of junior Nevena Carton as a true centerpiece of the Wake Forest program. Her performance was a major factor in the team's national ranking and competitive success within the rigorous ACC schedule.
Carton’s breakthrough moment came in March 2025 when she was named the ACC Player of the Week, the first honor of her career. This recognition followed a dominant stretch where she secured back-to-back victories against top-30 nationally ranked opponents. Her consistent play not only boosted the team's morale but also led to her taking over the crucial No. 1 spot in the singles lineup, a testament to her technical skill and mental toughness.
Beyond Carton, the team's depth was evident through its academic achievements. The Wake Forest Women's Tennis program was recognized as a recipient of the 2025 ITA Academic Team Recognition. Furthermore, five Demon Deacons earned a spot on the prestigious 2025 All-ACC Academic Team, highlighting the program's commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom.
Other notable team results from the 2025 season provided a glimpse into the team's potential for the 2026 season:
- ACC Championship Win: A significant 4-2 victory over SMU in the ACC Championship tournament in Cary, N.C., showcased the team's ability to win high-pressure postseason matches.
- Dominant Non-Conference Play: The team secured a decisive 7-0 sweep against Elon University early in the season, demonstrating their strength against regional opponents.
- National Ranking Consistency: The team maintained a consistent national ranking, often facing other top-25 teams in the ACC, a conference widely regarded as the toughest in collegiate tennis.
The Jeff Wyshner Era: Building an NCAA Tournament Dynasty
The history of the Wake Forest Women's Tennis program is now largely synonymous with the tenure of Head Coach Jeff Wyshner. Since his arrival, he has transformed the Demon Deacons into a nationally relevant program, built on a foundation of consistency and competitive grit.
The most compelling statistic of the Wyshner era is the team's remarkable streak of eight consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. This streak is a clear indicator of the program's sustained excellence and its ability to navigate the challenges of the Atlantic Coast Conference, which consistently produces multiple national title contenders.
Wyshner's coaching philosophy emphasizes player development and academic rigor, which is why the team is routinely recognized for its academic success, including the ITA Academic Team Recognition. His long-term contract extension reflects the university's confidence in his vision for the program's future, ensuring stability for the 2026 season and beyond.
Historical Milestones and Program Entities
The program's history is filled with key moments that define its legacy in Winston-Salem:
- NCAA Success: The Demon Deacons have consistently advanced in the NCAA team tournament, including a notable run in 2019 where they defeated Austin Peay 4-0 in the first round.
- Individual NCAA Championships: Wake Forest players regularly compete in the NCAA Individual Championships for singles and doubles, showcasing their elite talent on the national stage.
- The Wake Forest Tennis Complex: The team plays its home matches at the state-of-the-art Wake Forest Tennis Complex, a premier facility that attracts top recruits and provides a formidable home-court advantage.
- ACC Competitiveness: The team is a consistent challenger in the ACC, facing off against perennial powerhouses like North Carolina, Duke, and Virginia. The ACC standings are often decided by razor-thin margins, making every match a high-stakes affair.
The 2026 season promises to be another thrilling chapter for the Wake Forest Women's Tennis program. With a talented and decorated roster, a proven coaching staff, and a legacy of NCAA excellence, the Demon Deacons are set to make a significant impact on the national college tennis landscape. Fans should keep an eye on the performances of Nevena Carton in the No. 1 singles spot and the crucial doubles pairings as the team aims to secure a ninth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
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