MIAMI – FIU’s Katerina Mandelikova has been recognized as the Conference USA Women’s Tennis Player of the Week in singles competition, the league announced Wednesday. The senior from Ropice, Czech Republic, delivered a dominant performance against a nationally ranked opponent, solidifying her position as a key player for the Panthers.
Mandelikova’s standout performance came against No. 25 UCF, where she defeated Daryna Shoshyna in straight sets, 6-0, 7-5. This victory not only secured a crucial win for FIU but also ended Shoshyna’s impressive nine-match winning streak, showcasing Mandelikova’s ability to perform under pressure. The win highlights the growing strength of FIU women’s tennis within the Conference USA landscape.
This is the first Player of the Week award for Mandelikova in singles competition during the 2025-26 season, and only her second overall. Even as she has previously earned multiple Player of the Week honors in doubles play, this singles recognition marks a significant achievement in her collegiate career. Her last singles Player of the Week honor came on February 21, 2024, demonstrating her consistent dedication and improvement.
“Katka” has quickly become a cornerstone of the FIU women’s tennis program, and this award is a testament to her hard work and dedication,” said a team spokesperson. “Her performance against UCF was exceptional, and we are excited to see what she accomplishes throughout the rest of the season.”
The Panthers will return to the PayCargo Tennis Center this Saturday, February 21, to face Princeton at noon. This match provides an opportunity for FIU to build on their recent success and continue their climb in the Conference USA standings. Fans are encouraged to arrive out and support the team as they take on a challenging opponent.
Mandelikova’s success extends beyond individual accolades. She and teammate Quadre were recently tabbed as the CUSA Doubles Team of the Week, further demonstrating the strength of the FIU women’s tennis program. FIU Athletics reported on this achievement earlier this week.
Mandelikova’s journey to FIU began when she signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) as a standout player from the Czech Republic. As noted by FIU Athletics, her arrival has significantly boosted the program’s talent and competitiveness.
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Looking ahead, the Panthers will aim to continue their strong performance as they navigate the remainder of the Conference USA schedule. Mandelikova’s leadership and skill will undoubtedly be crucial as FIU strives for success both individually and as a team. The match against Princeton this Saturday will be a key test as they prepare for more challenging matchups in the coming weeks.
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