MALIBU, Calif. – The Pepperdine women’s Tennis program continues to produce elite talent, as several recent graduates are experiencing remarkable success on the international professional stage. Former Waves are consistently earning notable victories and ascending in the world rankings.
Janice Tjen’s Ascent to the Top
Table of Contents
- 1. Janice Tjen’s Ascent to the Top
- 2. Broadus Continues Winning Streak
- 3. Stefani Remains a Global Tennis Leader
- 4. Zaar’s European Success
- 5. The Growing Trend of Collegiate Athletes Turning Professional
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Pepperdine Tennis
- 7. What specific skills developed through NCAA women’s tennis contribute most too a player’s ability to handle the increased travel and varied conditions on the WTA tour?
- 8. Rising Stars: How Women’s Tennis Alumni Are Making Their Mark in the Professional Arena
- 9. From College Courts to Pro Circuits: A New Wave of Talent
- 10. The Collegiate Advantage: Why College Tennis is a Launchpad
- 11. Notable Alumni making Headlines
- 12. The Role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in Attracting Talent
- 13. training Regimens: Bridging the Gap Between College and Pro Tennis
- 14. The Future of Women’s Tennis: A Collegiate Influence?
Janice Tjen,who completed her studies in 2024,has quickly emerged as a standout performer. The athlete,originally from Jakarta,secured a significant win at the W125 Jinan Open singles tournament. Following this triumph, Tjen continued her winning streak by capturing the doubles championship at the Guangzhou Open, showcasing her versatility across both disciplines of the sport. This success propelled her to a career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 82, a feat not achieved by an Indonesian player in over two decades.
Broadus Continues Winning Streak
savannah Broadus, currently a student expected to graduate in 2025, is making waves on the ITF tour. She recently claimed the title at the ITF W35 Norman doubles tournament. Broadus also distinguished herself in September,winning the ITF W15 Kayseri doubles title in Turkey,cementing her position as an up-and-coming force in doubles competition.
Stefani Remains a Global Tennis Leader
Luisa Stefani, a 2018 Pepperdine alumna, continues to represent the program at the highest levels of professional tennis. Currently holding the No. 16 ranking in WTA doubles, Stefani recently achieved a victory at the Toray Pan Pacific Open doubles tournament in Tokyo, alongside her partner Tímea Babos. This win adds to Stefani’s already remarkable career,which includes multiple WTA championships and an Olympic bronze medal.
Zaar’s European Success
Lisa Zaar, a 2023 graduate, has found considerable success competing in Europe.She recently secured back-to-back ITF W35 doubles titles in Santa Margherita di Pula, Italy, demonstrating consistent performance. Zaar achieved a career-best WTA doubles ranking of No. 172, marking a steady rise in her professional career.
Pepperdine Women’s Tennis has long been recognized as a premier collegiate program, dedicated to developing student-athletes who thrive both academically and athletically. The accomplishments of Tjen, Broadus, Stefani and Zaar on the professional circuit serve as a testament to the program’s continued success in nurturing talent beyond the collegiate level.
| Player | Graduation year | Current ranking (Oct 30, 2025) | Recent Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janice Tjen | 2024 | WTA Singles No. 82 | W125 Jinan Open Singles Champion, Guangzhou Open Doubles Champion |
| Savannah Broadus | 2025 (Expected) | ITF Ranking | ITF W35 Norman Doubles Champion, ITF W15 Kayseri Doubles Champion |
| Luisa Stefani | 2018 | WTA Doubles No. 16 | Toray Pan Pacific Open Doubles Champion |
| Lisa Zaar | 2023 | WTA Doubles No. 172 | Back-to-Back ITF W35 Doubles Titles (Santa Margherita di pula) |
Did You know? Pepperdine Women’s tennis has reached 40 NCAA Tournaments since 1982, including an impressive 28 consecutive appearances.
The program’s dedication extends to conference dominance, boasting 33 WCC Championships and an ongoing streak of 11 consecutive conference titles, supporting a legacy of excellence.
The Growing Trend of Collegiate Athletes Turning Professional
The success of these Pepperdine alumni reflects a growing trend of collegiate athletes seamlessly transitioning into professional careers. The structured training and competitive environment provided by university programs provide a strong foundation for athletes to excel at the highest levels. According to the NCAA, over 460,000 student-athletes compete across three divisions, and a significant percentage pursue professional opportunities after graduation. NCAA Student-Athlete Facts
Frequently Asked Questions about Pepperdine Tennis
- What makes the Pepperdine Women’s Tennis program so successful? The program boasts a strong coaching staff, a competitive environment, and a consistent track record of developing talent, all contributing to its success.
- How many All-Americans has Pepperdine Women’s Tennis produced? The program has produced a total of 24 All-Americans, a testament to the high caliber of athletes it attracts and develops.
- What is janice Tjen’s current WTA ranking? As of October 30, 2025, Janice Tjen holds a WTA singles ranking of No. 82.
- What recent tournament did Luisa Stefani win? Luisa stefani recently won the Toray Pan Pacific Open doubles title in Tokyo.
- How has Savannah broadus performed on the ITF tour recently? Savannah Broadus has recently won two ITF doubles titles, underscoring her skills in doubles competition.
What are your thoughts on the growing success of Pepperdine alums on the pro circuit? Share your comments and opinions below!
What specific skills developed through NCAA women’s tennis contribute most too a player’s ability to handle the increased travel and varied conditions on the WTA tour?
Rising Stars: How Women’s Tennis Alumni Are Making Their Mark in the Professional Arena
From College Courts to Pro Circuits: A New Wave of Talent
The landscape of professional women’s tennis is experiencing a engaging shift. Increasingly, players are emerging not directly from junior circuits, but after honing their skills and building a strong foundation through NCAA women’s tennis. This trend is fueled by the increasing competitiveness of college programs and the strategic advantages a collegiate career offers. We’re seeing a surge of tennis alumni transitioning successfully to the WTA Tour, and making significant impacts. This article explores how these athletes are succeeding, the benefits of the college route, and profiles some of the most promising rising stars.
The Collegiate Advantage: Why College Tennis is a Launchpad
For decades, the traditional path to professional tennis involved intensive junior training and early entry into the ITF circuit. However, a college education offers several compelling benefits:
* Structured Development: College programs provide consistent coaching, strength and conditioning, and access to sports medicine professionals.This holistic approach fosters well-rounded athletes.
* Competitive Environment: Facing a diverse range of playing styles week after week in NCAA tennis prepares players for the unpredictable nature of the pro tour.
* Academic Security: A degree provides a valuable fallback option and broadens career prospects beyond tennis.
* Mental Fortitude: Balancing academics and athletics cultivates discipline,time management,and resilience – crucial qualities for professional success.
* Increased Visibility: Strong performances in college tennis tournaments attract the attention of sponsors and agents.
This isn’t to say the junior route is obsolete, but the college pathway is proving to be a viable, and increasingly popular, choice for aspiring professional tennis players.
Notable Alumni making Headlines
Several former collegiate stars are currently making waves on the WTA rankings:
* Coco Gauff: While Gauff took a slightly unconventional path, combining early professional play with some high-level junior competition, her foundation in competitive tennis was undeniably strong. Her success highlights the importance of a solid base, something college tennis can provide.
* Jessica Pegula: A former standout at Pepperdine University,Pegula’s journey exemplifies the benefits of the collegiate route. She leveraged her college experience to build a successful professional career, now consistently ranked among the top players in the world.
* Emma Navarro: A recent graduate of Virginia,Navarro quickly transitioned to the pro tour,achieving impressive results and demonstrating the immediate impact college training can have. she’s a prime example of the “new wave” of tennis pros coming from the NCAA.
* Ashlyn Krueger: UCLA alumna Krueger is quickly rising through the ranks, showcasing the power and finesse developed during her collegiate career.
* Peyton Stearns: Another rising star from the university of Texas, Stearns is making a name for herself with aggressive baseline play and a strong competitive spirit.
These players aren’t just participating; they’re winning. Their success is inspiring a new generation of college players to pursue their professional dreams.
The Role of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in Attracting Talent
The introduction of NIL deals in college athletics has further enhanced the appeal of the collegiate route. Now,student-athletes can monetize their name,image,and likeness,creating financial opportunities that previously didn’t exist. This allows aspiring women’s tennis players to:
* Secure sponsorships and endorsements.
* Build their personal brand.
* Offset the costs of training and travel.
NIL deals are attracting top junior talent to college programs, further elevating the level of competition and development within NCAA Division I tennis.this creates a positive feedback loop, attracting even more talented players and strengthening the pipeline to the professional tour.
training Regimens: Bridging the Gap Between College and Pro Tennis
The transition from college to professional tennis requires adjustments in training. while college programs provide a thorough foundation, pro tennis demands a more individualized and intense approach. Key areas of focus include:
- Increased Travel: The WTA Tour involves extensive international travel,requiring players to adapt to different time zones,surfaces,and cultures.
- Individualized Coaching: pro players typically work with a dedicated coach who tailors their training to their specific strengths and weaknesses.
- Enhanced Strength and Conditioning: Professional tennis demands peak physical fitness. Players focus on building strength, endurance, and agility.
- Mental toughness Training: The pressure of professional competition requires players to develop mental resilience and coping mechanisms.
- Strategic Game Planning: Analyzing opponents and developing effective game plans is crucial for success on the pro tour.
The Future of Women’s Tennis: A Collegiate Influence?
The trend of women’s tennis players transitioning from college
