In an exciting development for Texas A&M women’s tennis, three standout players are heading to Waco to participate in the highly anticipated NCAA Individual Championship.
Fresh off the high of clinching a spring team national championship, No. 9 Nicole Khirin, Daria Smetannikov, and No. 1 Mary Stoiana are set to individually represent the Aggies in this prestigious tournament.
This year’s event marks the inaugural season of a two-year pilot program shifting the singles and doubles championships to the fall, while team championships will continue to thrive in the spring.
“Super excited. It’s definitely different now that it’s in the fall,” Stoiana remarked enthusiastically. “I think that will give it sort of a different feel so yeah, I am excited to play a tournament that I honestly haven’t played before with it being in the fall. Go get some more matches and see if we can end the semester on a good note.”
Last season, Stoiana showcased her talent by advancing to the National Semifinals in singles and the National Quarterfinals in doubles while earning prestigious All-America honors in both categories.
All three players will be competing on Tuesday, with Smetannikov facing off against Ohio State’s No. 23 Luciana Perry, and Stoiana challenging UCLA’s Kate Fakih at 9:30 a.m. Khirin is set to take on Duke’s No. 38 Shavit Kimchi later in the day at 3:30 p.m.
“We’re proud to have made three into the tournament, and we have been playing some high-level competition all fall so our girls will be battle-tested and match-ready,” said head coach Mark Weaver. “We are excited to go on Tuesday.”
The NCAA Championships for singles and doubles will take place from November 19-24 at the Hurd Tennis Center, promising a week filled with fierce competition and exceptional talent.
What are Nicole K’s strategies for maintaining her mental focus during high-stakes matches in the NCAA Individual Championship?
**Interview with Texas A&M Women’s Tennis Star, Nicole K**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Nicole. Exciting news about the NCAA Individual Championship—a big moment for you and your teammates!
**Nicole K:** Thank you for having me! Yes, it’s an incredible opportunity for us, especially right after winning the spring team national championship.
**Editor:** Absolutely! How does it feel to have that team success and now to be heading to Waco for the individual competition?
**Nicole K:** It feels amazing. Winning the team championship was a collective effort, and I think that experience has really boosted our confidence. Now, going as individuals, we’re looking to showcase our skills and continue that momentum.
**Editor:** You’re currently ranked No. 9 nationally. How do you prepare mentally and physically for a tournament of this magnitude?
**Nicole K:** It’s all about finding balance. Mentally, I try to stay focused and remind myself that it’s just another match. Physically, we’re ramping up our training—working on conditioning, agility, and refining our techniques. It’s important to feel sharp and ready to compete.
**Editor:** What do you think makes this year’s NCAA Individual Championship different for you and your teammates?
**Nicole K:** This year feels special because we’ve built such a strong bond as a team. We all motivate each other, and we’re genuinely excited for each other’s successes. I think that’s going to translate into our performances in Waco.
**Editor:** Any final thoughts you’d like to share with fans and supporters heading into the championship?
**Nicole K:** Just that we’re grateful for all the support we’ve received! We’re excited to represent Texas A&M on the national stage, and we’re going to give it our all.
**Editor:** Thanks so much for your time, Nicole! Best of luck in Waco—we’ll be cheering you on!
**Nicole K:** Thank you! I appreciate it!