Northwestern University Athletics
Women's Tennis Welcomes Katya Shepherd
8/14/2024 1:23:00 PM | Women's Tennis
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern women's tennis will add Katya Shepherd ahead of the 2024-25 season, head coach Claire Pollard announced Wednesday. Shepherd, a rising sophomore, will join the 'Cats after playing one season at MIT.
In one year of action with the Engineers, Shepherd went 4-1 at No. 1 singles, including a victory over the No. 2 ranked DIII player in MIT's matchup with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Shepherd herself spent the majority of the season ranked in the top 25 by the ITA and concluded action with victories in the first and second rounds of the NCAA Singles Tournament. Her efforts earned her ITA All-American and Northeast Region Rookie of the Year honors. She was also named the NEWMAC Rookie of the Year alongside First Team All-Conference selection.
A native of Takoma Park, Md., Shepherd played No. 1 singles at Montgomery Blair High School, where she was a two-time state singles semifinalist. She was named the team MVP following the 2022 season.
Pollard on Shepherd: We're thrilled to have Katya join our program! Her experience at MIT playing at the top spot will serve her well this year and moving forward.
Shepherd on Northwestern: I chose Northwestern because of the dedication that the team exhibits, as well as the rigorous academics. I can't wait to explore new interests and continue pursuing excellence on the court and in the classroom.
Shepherd will join first years Mika Dagan Fruchtman, Erica Jessel and Maia Loureiro as additions to Pollard's roster for the upcoming season.
Officially a Wildcat ??
— NU Women's Tennis (@NUWildcatTennis) August 14, 2024
We're so excited to welcome Katya Shepherd Johnson to the team! pic.twitter.com/tSHsPNkBZg
In one year of action with the Engineers, Shepherd went 4-1 at No. 1 singles, including a victory over the No. 2 ranked DIII player in MIT's matchup with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Shepherd herself spent the majority of the season ranked in the top 25 by the ITA and concluded action with victories in the first and second rounds of the NCAA Singles Tournament. Her efforts earned her ITA All-American and Northeast Region Rookie of the Year honors. She was also named the NEWMAC Rookie of the Year alongside First Team All-Conference selection.
A native of Takoma Park, Md., Shepherd played No. 1 singles at Montgomery Blair High School, where she was a two-time state singles semifinalist. She was named the team MVP following the 2022 season.
Pollard on Shepherd: We're thrilled to have Katya join our program! Her experience at MIT playing at the top spot will serve her well this year and moving forward.
Shepherd on Northwestern: I chose Northwestern because of the dedication that the team exhibits, as well as the rigorous academics. I can't wait to explore new interests and continue pursuing excellence on the court and in the classroom.
Shepherd will join first years Mika Dagan Fruchtman, Erica Jessel and Maia Loureiro as additions to Pollard's roster for the upcoming season.
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