By: Clint Neumann
BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The University of Sioux Falls women's tennis team was selected third in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the league office on Thursday. The Cougars received 81 points after another strong season competing near the top of the conference standings, positioning themselves as legitimate contenders heading into the spring.
Augustana University was picked to win the league, earning 10 first-place votes and 100 points. Minnesota State University, Mankato followed in second with 84 points, while Sioux Falls rounded out the top three ahead of University of Mary and University of Minnesota Crookston.
MSU Moorhead senior Luzmary Diaz Castillo was named the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year.
Cougars Return Experience, Add Depth for 2026 Season
Head Coach Kevin Grebin brings back one of the most experienced lineups in the entire NSIC, returning every player from last season while also adding a talented incoming freshman class. The blend of continuity, veteran leadership, and fresh depth positions the Cougars to compete at a high level throughout conference play and make another postseason push.
"This year's team is loaded with experience with all returning players in the lineup," said Grebin. "Plus the addition of a strong incoming freshman class which will give us much depth to compete at our best in the upcoming season."
With proven success at the top and middle of the lineup, consistent doubles play across the board, and the hunger that comes from finishing third in the preseason poll, Sioux Falls enters the spring with high expectations and championship aspirations.
Player to Watch: Ella Hancock, Senior
Senior Ella Hancock was named USF's Player to Watch after building one of the most consistent and accomplished careers in program history. A three-time NSIC All-Conference Second Team selection in doubles, Hancock enters her senior season with a 27–20 career singles record and a 24–22 mark in doubles—a testament to her consistency and competitiveness over four years.
During the 2024–25 season, Hancock earned NSIC All-Conference Second Team honors in doubles and was named to the D2 ITA All-Academic Team, excelling both on the court and in the classroom. She posted an 8–7 singles record with multiple straight-set wins against conference opponents, including victories over Bemidji State, Winona State, University of Mary, and St. Cloud State.
"Ella has been a positive role model not only on the courts, but also as a team member for the past four years," said Grebin. "Her desire to compete at the highest level and never stop playing has been a huge factor in the continued success of our tennis program. Plus, she is part of the most successful No. 2 doubles team at USF in recent history. She truly leads by example."
Over her career, Hancock has been a fixture in both singles and doubles lineups, earning All-Conference recognition in all three seasons while also excelling academically. As she enters her senior season, she'll look to cap her career with a postseason run and leave a lasting legacy in the program.
Up Next
Sioux Falls opens the 2026 season with NSIC play at home, hosting Jamestown on February 13 at 4:00 p.m. and University of Mary on February 14 at 11:30 a.m. Both matches will be played at the Huether Family Match Pointe in Sioux Falls.
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