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 40: Jennifer Kerr and Melissa Sakar
Jennifer Kerr and Melissa Sakar are on the rise. The Washington tennis alums share their story transferring from Ivy League to Pac-12 programs and finding success in both conferences.
Posted on 15 May 2024
Episode 39: Angella Okutoyi
Angella Okutoyi is on the rise. The Auburn sophomore shares her story becoming the first player from Kenya in nearly 50 years to win the African Games.
Posted on 25 April 2024
Episode 38: Mira Ruder-Hook
Mira Ruder-Hook is on the rise. The 2016 All-American shares her story earning a Top 10 national doubles ranking for Michigan. Now, Mira is creating a new venture to support former college athletes.
Posted on 15 April 2024
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.
