Photo by: Mark Kuhlmann
Women’s Tennis picked fourth in preseason poll as Buckels named athlete to watch
Jan 15, 2025 | Women's Tennis
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Summit League released its annual preseason rankings today, with Omaha Women's Tennis picked fourth. Sophomore Khayli Buckels was named as an athlete to watch this season.
Denver led the preseason rankings, followed by South Dakota, North Dakota and Omaha, with 20 first-place votes. The Mavericks finished last season 3-3 in conference matchups, finishing fifth.
"Being picked fourth in the preseason poll is a nice acknowledgment of the talent and potential we have on this team," head coach Adam Summitt said. "At the same time, polls don't define what happens on the court. We focus on doing the work daily, staying disciplined, and proving ourselves with our performance throughout the season. The Summit League is a good tennis league; every match is tightly contested.
Buckels returns to the Mavericks in 2025 after a successful freshman campaign. The Ballwin, Mo., native went 17-6 in all singles contests last season. Her 17 singles wins were the second-most in the Summit League in 2024.
In conference play last season, Buckels went 5-1 in singles and 2-2 in doubles.
"Khayli had an excellent year last year," Summit added. "She is only going to continue to get better. She is a key part of our team, and we are excited to see her grow and continue to make an impact this season."
The Mavericks begin their season on Saturday, Jan. 18, in a doubleheader that starts at 3:30 p.m. CT against Sioux Falls (S.D.) and then against Morningside at 6:30 p.m. CT at Miracle Hills in Omaha, Neb.
2025 SUMMIT LEAGUE WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON POLL
WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON ATHLETES TO WATCH LIST
Note: Athletes to Watch nominated by the league's head coaches
Andrea Burguete Beltran, Denver
Sr. | Burriana, Spain
Beata Havlickova, South Dakota
Sr. | Louny, Czech Republic
Aziza Aubin, North Dakota
Gr. | Bexhill-on-Sea, England
Khayli Buckels, Omaha
So. | Ballwin, Mo.
Arina Sorokina, Oral Roberts
Sr. | Moscow, Russia
Joana Miralles Cardona, Kansas City
Sr. | Vinaros, Spain
Caroline Lindahl, St. Thomas
So. | Hørsholm, Denmark
Denver led the preseason rankings, followed by South Dakota, North Dakota and Omaha, with 20 first-place votes. The Mavericks finished last season 3-3 in conference matchups, finishing fifth.
"Being picked fourth in the preseason poll is a nice acknowledgment of the talent and potential we have on this team," head coach Adam Summitt said. "At the same time, polls don't define what happens on the court. We focus on doing the work daily, staying disciplined, and proving ourselves with our performance throughout the season. The Summit League is a good tennis league; every match is tightly contested.
Buckels returns to the Mavericks in 2025 after a successful freshman campaign. The Ballwin, Mo., native went 17-6 in all singles contests last season. Her 17 singles wins were the second-most in the Summit League in 2024.
In conference play last season, Buckels went 5-1 in singles and 2-2 in doubles.
"Khayli had an excellent year last year," Summit added. "She is only going to continue to get better. She is a key part of our team, and we are excited to see her grow and continue to make an impact this season."
The Mavericks begin their season on Saturday, Jan. 18, in a doubleheader that starts at 3:30 p.m. CT against Sioux Falls (S.D.) and then against Morningside at 6:30 p.m. CT at Miracle Hills in Omaha, Neb.
2025 SUMMIT LEAGUE WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON POLL
| Team | Score (1st place votes) | |
| 1. | Denver | 36 (6) |
| 2. | South Dakota | 31 (1) |
| 3. | North Dakota | 23 |
| 4. | Omaha | 20 |
| T-5. | Oral Roberts | 14 |
| T-5. | Kansas City | 14 |
| 7. | St. Thomas | 9 |
WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON ATHLETES TO WATCH LIST
Note: Athletes to Watch nominated by the league's head coaches
Andrea Burguete Beltran, Denver
Sr. | Burriana, Spain
Beata Havlickova, South Dakota
Sr. | Louny, Czech Republic
Aziza Aubin, North Dakota
Gr. | Bexhill-on-Sea, England
Khayli Buckels, Omaha
So. | Ballwin, Mo.
Arina Sorokina, Oral Roberts
Sr. | Moscow, Russia
Joana Miralles Cardona, Kansas City
Sr. | Vinaros, Spain
Caroline Lindahl, St. Thomas
So. | Hørsholm, Denmark
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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