By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
Senior Tom Gangov plays in AQ tennis match – Photo by AQ Athletics
As the Spring 2025 semester progresses, the curtain is slowly closing with history being made for the Aquinas Tennis program. In January, the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference announced the discontinuation of tennis as a conference sport following the 2024-2025 season.
The commissioner of the WHAC, Eric Ward, attributes this decision to dwindling participation in the conference and difficulties with the availability and affordability of facilities for the sport.
The tennis program has also faced its fair share of challenges this season in addition to the difficult news from the conference. The team had coaching staff changes mid-season, with Aquinas Professor Kerri Orders taking the position as head coach for the program’s final season.
“It’s bittersweet knowing this is our last season, but I could not have asked for a better team to share this farewell with,” Orders said. “This group of talented student-athletes has shown remarkable resilience, teamwork and heart. From late night practices to tough matches, their dedication to improving their game and supporting each other has been constant, both on and off court. They’ve left a legacy that will always be a part of Aquinas College.”
This Spring, the team has taken on WHAC opponents and in the bittersweet final memories as a program, has found success. After a tough loss to Indiana Tech, the team bounced back and took the win during their match against Concordia University Ann-Arbor, 7-0. The team kept their momentum going as they played the Lourdes University Gray Wolves, finding ground and winning 4-3.
The team still has two final games left, scheduled to play the Racers of University of Northwestern Ohio and Lawrence Tech on April 17. The WHAC tournament is slated for April 22 and 23, with Aquinas currently ranked second in the conference.
With the final season of WHAC tennis, the seniors on the team are looking to leave their imprint on the program and share final memories with their teammates. The Aquinas Tennis program has two graduating seniors for the 2024-2025 season, Carlota Arzabe and Tom Gangov.
With the abrupt end of the sport in the WHAC, the athletes are soaking every aspect in one last time. “This was a memorable season with a great team,” Gangov said. “I am happy to wrap up my tennis experience at Aquinas College with this amazing group.”
With the finale of WHAC tennis approaching, the Aquinas tennis program is looking to leave their lasting mark on Aquinas Athletics history and to make the last memories. On behalf of the team, Gangov said “From the first serve to the last handshake, we played with pride.” With two more matches left for the team, the bittersweet farewell of Aquinas Tennis awaits.
The Saint 