WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — After more than four years of playing their home matches away from the Hilltop, West Liberty University tennis is coming home.

The Hilltoppers will return to the Edgar Martin Tennis Complex on Friday when they host Kutztown University at 3 p.m., marking the program's first home match at the facility since April 20, 2022.

The return brings a long-awaited home-court experience back to West Liberty and provides the Hilltoppers with an opportunity to compete in front of their campus and community.

For sophomore Siddarth Madhavan , Friday will carry an added significance. The Chennai, India, native will play his first match for West Liberty at the Edgar Martin Tennis Complex.

"I'm excited to play my first match for West Liberty at home on Friday," Madhavan said. "I'm looking forward to getting out there with the team and getting off to a good start."

The Edgar Martin Tennis Complex has been home to generations of Hilltopper tennis players and has hosted plenty of memorable matches over the years. Now, after a lengthy absence, head coach Ronnie Hulewicz is looking forward to seeing the facility filled with Hilltopper tennis once again.

"It's so great to have a chance to bring this facility back to life as it has seen some strong tennis over the years," Hulewicz said. "It's a special feeling to be home again after playing home matches on the road for many years."

West Liberty's last home tennis match at the Edgar Martin Tennis Complex came on April 20, 2022, when the Hilltoppers hosted Wheeling. Since then, the program has continued to compete while playing its designated home contests at other locations.

Friday's match represents more than the return of competition to the courts. It also marks another step in the continued development of West Liberty's tennis programs following the return of both men's and women's tennis to the Hilltop.

Brad Forshey, West Liberty's director of athletics, said bringing the programs back and restoring a home venue were important pieces of that process.

"Hosting our first home tennis match since 2022 is a significant moment for West Liberty Athletics," Forshey said. "Bringing our men's and women's tennis programs back was important because of the opportunities these programs provide our student-athletes and what they add to the overall strength of our department. We're excited to see them competing on the Hilltop again and to give our campus and community the opportunity to support them at home."

For the current generation of Hilltoppers, Friday will provide the opportunity to create a new chapter in the history of the Edgar Martin Tennis Complex.

And for Hulewicz, Madhavan  and the rest of the program, there is a simple significance to finally being able to call the Hilltop home again.

First serve is set for 3 p.m. Friday at the Edgar Martin Tennis Complex.



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.