TEMPE, Ariz. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association is excited to announce today the 2025-26 ITA Student-Athlete Council, a committee of 10 members who have been selected to represent more than 20,000 student-athletes competing in tennis at the collegiate level.
The student-athlete-led council, entering its third year of existence, is committed to providing insights regarding the sport with a special emphasis on the student-athlete experience. The goals of this committee are as follows: Present a student-athlete voice within the Intercollegiate Tennis Association “ITA” (1), Offer input regarding matters pertaining to the sport, particularly issues impacting the lives of student-athletes (2), Work to enhance the student-athlete experience specific to college tennis across all divisions (3), Invest in the leaders of tomorrow by creating leadership and professional development opportunities (4).
“We’re thrilled to announce the new class of ITA Student-Athlete Council members for the 2025-26 season,” said Elicia Smith, the ITA’s Community Manager and Digital Product Coordinator. “In just two years, the Council has become an invaluable part of the ITA, launching several transformative initiatives. We’re excited to see this new group build on that success and find more ways to invest in and improve the student-athlete experience in college tennis.”
This year’s Student-Athlete Council will build on the initiatives and progress made by the first two classes, which have seen advancements such as monthly student-athlete spotlights aimed at highlighting diverse individuals within our sport, the development of the ITA Student-Athlete Podcast, the relaunch of the ITA Community Service Challenge, and the launch of the ITA Student-Athlete Mentorship Program.
The Council Selection Committee received a record number of applications from exceptionally qualified and committed student-athletes for the 2025-26 term. In total, ten student-athletes will serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council and represent college tennis players from across all levels of our sport, including returning 2024-25 Council member Andrew Fang (Binghamton). Across the 10 members, three are Division I student-athletes, four student-athletes represent Divisions II and III, while the remaining three student-athletes come via the NAIA, JUCO, and Wheelchair levels.
Each of these members will spend the next year working to better the student-athlete experience at every level of the sport and will meet each month to discuss pressing issues and initiatives that are of the utmost importance to each council member.
Read below for more information on each council member:
Division I Representatives
Andrew Fang | Binghamton University | Senior
“I am humbled to have received this opportunity yet again to serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council for a second year. Having already dabbled with the capabilities of the Council, I am excited and prepared to use my skills, my experiences, and my passion for tennis to take more risks this year and watch the future of the sport we all share flourish and prosper.”
Elisabeth Dunac | Indiana University Bloomington | Junior
“I am excited to serve as a member of the ITA Student-Athlete Council to help collegiate tennis players maximize their college experience as both a student and athlete. Also, I look forward to advancing collegiate tennis and ITA initiatives, particularly those focusing on career development and community outreach.”
Rohan Murali | Harvard University | Junior
“I am honored to serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council and look forward to providing continued support for student-athletes on and off the court. I would like the next generation of scholar athletes to have access to the best possible opportunities and experiences in college that can set the stage for their future success.”
Division II Representatives
Lydia Zafeiri | Queens College | Senior
“I’m truly honored to serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council and help celebrate the diverse experiences that make college tennis so unique. As a student-athlete from Greece, I’m excited to bring an international perspective, learn from my peers, and contribute to a more inclusive, supportive, and connected tennis community.”
Stella Fruijtier | Rollins College | Junior
“As a member of the ITA Student-Athlete Council, I am excited to strengthen the representation of international student-athletes and bring more recognition to the value and strength of Division II, III, NAIA, and JUCO tennis programs.”
Division III Representatives
Sahana Madala | Johns Hopkins University | Sophomore
“I’m looking forward to serving on the ITA Student-Athlete Council as a way to give back to a sport that has given me so much, and to work alongside fellow athletes to promote inclusivity, service, and leadership on a broader scale.”
Rohit Jain | Case Western Reserve University | Sophomore
“I’m excited to serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council to help amplify the voices of college tennis players and contribute to growing the sport through storytelling, advocacy, and community building. It’s an amazing chance to give back to the game that has given me so much.”
NAIA Representative
Martin Capdevila | Huntington University | Graduate Student
“I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council, where I can give back to the sport that has shaped me and advocate for the needs of fellow student-athletes. I’m excited to bring a collaborative spirit and a team-first perspective to help strengthen the collegiate tennis experience for everyone involved.”
JUCO Representative
Samantha Parris | Coastal Alabama Community College | Sophomore
“I am very excited to join the ITA Student Athlete Council for the year 2025-2026. I am looking forward to not only sharing and exchanging ideas with other college students around the country, but also the leadership development opportunities this council may present.”
Wheelchair Representative
Caiden Baxter | University of Michigan | Graduate Student
“I’m excited to serve on the ITA Student-Athlete Council because I love the game and want to help grow wheelchair tennis, as well as highlight the opportunities that college tennis provides. Competing at this level has changed my life, and I’m grateful for the chance to represent athletes like me and help shape the future of the sport.”
