Game Day
Palos Hills: Moraine Valley Tennis Team Prepares for 2026 Season
The Moraine Valley Community College women's tennis team prepares for its 2026 season opener on Aug. 27 with a newly recruited roster and high goals.
By Country Herald Staff · 2026-08-31T11:07:00.642Z
Palos Hills, IL – The Moraine Valley Community College women’s tennis team is preparing to open its 2026 season with high expectations as the squad transitions into a new era under head coach Simona Tomczak. The upcoming schedule marks the second year for Tomczak at the helm, but it stands out as the first season featuring a roster entirely composed of her own recruits. According to a recent announcement from the college https://www.morainevalley.edu/2026/08/19/moraine valley womens tennis poised for dominant 2026 campaign/ , the team has focused heavily on physical conditioning and mental preparation throughout the off season to ensure they are competitive for regional play.
Coach Tomczak has integrated specific strength and conditioning programs, including weightlifting and sprint intervals, into the team's training regimen. These efforts are designed to bolster match play durability and refine technical skills on the court. During early practice sessions, the coaching staff noted marked improvements in the athletes' performance, suggesting that the off season modifications are already yielding dividends for the program's development.
The roster includes several returning standouts who secured Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference individual titles during the 2025 season. Marietta Farraj, Tamera Farraj, and Sydney Rutkowski are returning to lead the team, bringing significant experience and momentum from their previous conference victories. They will be joined by an incoming group of recruits that features Andrea Rehus, Kristina Laska, Meda Bliudziute, Brooke Gluszek, and Darren Hill. While competition for starting lineup positions remains intense, the coaching staff expressed confidence in the depth of talent available across the roster.
Beyond technical skill, the coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of emotional resilience and a positive team atmosphere. Tomczak, who is a former tennis player for the institution herself, encourages her athletes to maintain enthusiasm while navigating the inevitable challenges of competitive play. The team’s primary objectives for the fall involve enjoying the competitive experience while maintaining a standard of winning that aligns with the program's long term goals.
The Cyclones are scheduled to debut their 2026 campaign during a home match against North Park University, slated for Thursday, Aug. 27, at 3:30 p.m. Supporters can monitor the team's progress throughout the semester via the official athletics website.
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