WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University women's tennis team enters the 2026 season with youthful energy, motivation, and a focus on growth as the Hilltoppers prepare for their spring campaign under head coach Travis Closser.
West Liberty opens the season on February 13 with a road match against D'Youville Saints in Buffalo, N.Y., before turning its attention toward Mountain East Conference play. The Hilltoppers' conference opener is set for March 20 on the road at West Virginia State Yellow Jackets.
The Hilltoppers feature one of the youngest rosters in the league, with nearly the entire lineup made up of freshmen and sophomores. While experience will be a challenge early, Closser is eager to see his team compete in live match situations.
"We're excited to get the season started with real match play," Closser said. "That's when we'll see what we do well and what areas we need to improve."
What stands out most to Closser is the eagerness his team has shown throughout preparation.
"I like the motivation my players are bringing every day," he said.
Despite the roster's youth, West Liberty does return key contributors in Gabi Pasco, a sophomore, and Kaylex Gibson, a freshman who gained valuable experience last season. Both are expected to play important roles as the Hilltoppers navigate a competitive conference schedule.
West Liberty welcomes a strong group of newcomers who will be asked to contribute immediately. Freshman Maria Martirosyan, from Armenia, arrives following the graduation of her sister and former Hilltopper standout Evelina Martirosyan. She is joined by Ana Sanchez, a first-semester freshman from Colombia, along with Courtney Curnutte from West Virginia and Sanchita Dabas from India.
"With our top two players from last season no longer eligible, it was important to replace those positions with strong players," Closser said. "In tennis, depth is critical. You can't win matches with just one or two players."
Closser expects Martirosyan and Sanchez to make an immediate impact, while noting that several other newcomers have the potential to contribute early as well.
With such a young lineup, West Liberty's approach this season centers on effort, learning, and strategic play. Closser plans to emphasize point construction and decision-making, helping players better analyze opponents and choose high-percentage shots based on court positioning.
"I know this group will fight hard and give everything they have on the court," Closser said.
Rather than focusing strictly on wins and losses, West Liberty's goals center on development and belief.
"For many of these players, this is their first collegiate season," Closser said. "Success means gaining experience, learning from mistakes, turning weaknesses into strengths, and believing they can continue to improve."
That mindset extends to postseason aspirations as well.
"The first step is believing they can get there," Closser said. "Once that belief is established, everything else follows."
The Hilltoppers have already shown success off the court, posting a team GPA above 3.0 during the fall semester, highlighted by four student-athletes earning perfect 4.0 GPAs.
Closser encourages Hilltopper fans to support the young squad during home matches this spring.
"We're a young team that's working very hard," he said. "Having fans and a university that supports and encourages you makes a big difference."
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.
