As the 2024-25 NWAC women’s tennis season approaches, Highline College is focused on building upon last year’s success and making a strong bid for the championship. The Thunderbirds finished the 2023-24 season with an 8-8 overall record and a perfect 6-0 conference mark, but fell just short in the NWAC Championship final against Spokane.
With having the largest team in program history, and a mix of returning standouts and promising newcomers, the team is determined to reclaim the NWAC title.
Highline’s season opens with challenging matchups against Pacific University and Willamette before heading into NWAC play, which begins with a rematch against Bellevue. One of the season’s biggest tests will come in March when the team embarks on a Florida road trip to face Eastern Florida State, Palm Beach Atlantic, and Warner University.
The ultimate goal remains clear: a strong conference run leading up to the NWAC Championships on May 2-3 in Yakima, Wash.
Freshman Adriana Barbee is one of the new faces on the squad, and she is embracing the challenges of her first collegiate season. “I feel nothing but excitement for this season,” Barbee said. “With the bond between the team already being so close-knit and each practice elevating our skills, the energy is high and hopeful for a victorious season.”
Despite being new to the team, Barbee understands the expectations that come with playing for a program as competitive as Highline.
“I don’t know much about last season, as I am a freshman this year,” she admitted. “But from what I heard, it was a great year. Although they got runner-up, which is amazing, I believe with enough hours spent on the court and in the gym, we can bring home a championship win.”
The key to success this season, according to Barbee, will be a mix of dedication, adaptability, and confidence. “We have to be dedicated enough to train hard on and off the court. Teachable, meaning we can take criticism and use it to improve our skills as athletes, while being confident enough to know that we have what it takes to win,” she explained.
Barbee, a high-level player in high school, has already seen growth in her game under the guidance of Highline’s coaching staff. “How I’m looking for this new season is pretty great. I was a high-level player at my high school, but with my new coaches and training techniques, I feel my game reaching levels I didn’t know were possible.”
With a talented roster and a determined mindset, the Thunderbirds are set on proving themselves as the top team in NWAC women’s tennis. As they prepare to battle through a challenging schedule, one thing is certain. Highline is ready to compete, and they have their sights set on championship glory.