WEST HARTFORD, Conn.  –  The 2025-26 year will include Hartford women's tennis once again after being readded on December 13^th of 2023. The team will compete in collegiate competition for the first time since April 22^nd of 2016. The Hawks will kick off the season on September 6^th with eyes on building a foundation for the future.

10 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Head Coach Jeff Splinter takes the helm of the women's tennis program which saw a 10-year absence from collegiate competition. Splinter joined Hartford back on August 5^th of 2024 from Frostburg State University where he was the head coach of the tennis programs.

"We're excited to begin our first season", said Splinter. "Really excited to get our girls in some competitive matches after a really good practice season last year. We are focused on just competing hard every day in practice and putting in a lot of work on the court. Now I am just looking forward to get into some matches and seeing what we can do."

Splinter is joined by Harry Cohen who will be the assistant coach after joining the staff prior to preseason.

"Our main goal is to build a foundation", said Cohen. "It is a brand-new team and I feel like setting a standard with myself and coach Splinter for what we are trying to do is the main thing we are working on. When we walk on the court against any team we play, we want to have a presence that we are going to compete at a high level."

The Hawks roster features two key returners in senior Gabriella Carr (Springfield, Mass.) and sophomore Jessica Marks (Hartford, Conn.) who will bring experience to a young group. Freshman Maddie Pearlman (New Hampton, N.Y.) headlines the newcomers and is expected to have a great season.

SEASON OUTLOOK
The Hartford women's tennis team has 12 matches scheduled for the fall season including five being held at the Watkinson School in West Hartford for home contests. The season kicks off on September 6^th when the Hawks travel to take on Rhode Island College.

The Conference of New England season starts on September 16^th when the Hawks battle cross-town rival the University of Saint Joseph at 3:00 PM on the road. September 20^th will be the first home match for the Hawks hosting Gordon College at 1:00 PM. Other key matches include October 8^th at defending CNE Champion Nichols College and October 18^th versus the 2024-25 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Champions and new CNE member Colby-Sawyer College at 1:00 PM.

All match coverage can be found on the schedule home page for the 2025-26 season.

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