On The Rise features compelling stories and unique voices in women’s college tennis. Our conversations focus on topics such as self-care, team culture and personal goals. On The Rise is more than tennis; it is the next generation of women in sports.
Episode 37: Donatella Guarnieri
Donatella Guarnieri is on the rise. After playing for the UCF club tennis team, Donatella was called up to the varsity roster midway through the 2024 season. One week later, she earned her first Big 12 doubles victory over #7 Texas.
Posted on 1 April 2024
Episode 36: Anna Danilina
Anna Danilina is on the rise. The University of Florida alum shares her story becoming the first Kazakh player in the Open Era to win a mixed doubles major title.
Posted on 12 January 2024
Episode 35: Grace Melrose
Grace Melrose is on the rise. The former pro player shares her story founding Tennis Girl Nation before returning to the tour, this time as a published author.
Posted on 21 December 2023
Episode 34: Mary Stoiana
Mary Stoiana is on the rise. The Texas A&M junior shares her story becoming the first Aggie to win the ITA All-American Championships. This fall, Mary climbed to No. 1 in the country.
Posted on 30 November 2023
Episode 33: Katherine Hui
Katherine Hui is on the rise. The Stanford freshman shares her story winning the 2023 US Open Junior Championship as an unseeded player. This fall, Katherine became the first player since 1982 to win a Junior Grand Slam and play college tennis.
Posted on 27 September 2023
Episode 32: CiCi Bellis
CiCi Bellis is on the rise. The former world No. 35 shares her story rising to stardom at age 15, when she became one of the youngest players to win a US Open main draw match.
Posted on 14 September 2023
Episode 31: Lauren Embree
Lauren Embree is on the rise. The University of Florida alum shares her story becoming a five-time All-American for the Gators before returning to Gainesville as an assistant coach.
Posted on 17 August 2023
Episode 30: Hannah Berner
Hannah Berner is on the rise. The Wisconsin alum shares her story playing on the top court for the Badgers before launching her comedy career. Berner has over 2 million followers on TikTok, was a reality TV star on Summer House, and is currently on a comedy tour throughout North America.
Posted on 20 July 2023
Episode 29: Fiona Crawley
Fiona Crawley is on the rise. The North Carolina junior shares her story becoming the first Tar Heel to go undefeated in a fall season, winning the 2022 All-American Championships along with the 2022 ITA Fall National singles and doubles titles.
Posted on 17 January 2023
Episode 28: Dana Mathewson
Dana Mathewson is on the rise. The Arizona alum shares her story becoming the first American to win a wheelchair Grand Slam while representing Team USA at multiple Paralympic Games.
