The Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Hawks Tennis team won the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Division I Women’s Tennis National Championship during the national tournament held in Tyler, Texas on May 3-7. This is the team’s third national championship title in school history, and the second won in the last three years.
“I can’t explain how emotional and exciting winning this championship was!” said Sarah Lytle, HCC athletic director and tennis head coach. “This team was so much fun to work with, it never felt like a job. I am so proud of how they came together, and the support they had for each other was a huge reason for their success.”
HCC ended the tournament with a final team score of 52 points, with second place going to Cowley College with 39 points and third place going to Tyler Junior College with 35 points. The Hawks took home first place in singles flights no.3, no.4, no.5 and no.6, as well as first in all three double flights. They also finished runners-up in singles flights no.1 and no.2.
The winners of those flights, earning first team All-Americans, are as follows:
Goldman and Stark also earned second team singles All-Americans for singles flights no.1 and no.2, respectively.
“We are once again thrilled with our Lady Hawks Tennis Team for yet another National Championship!” said Joe Bentrovato, Dale Mabry Campus dean of student services. ”Our Lady Hawks were a juggernaut through the regular season and states, which of course they won - nationals were no different. This team has played focused and disciplined tennis all year, as well as staying on task academically, culminating in this championship.”
Additional recognition went to Lytle, who was named Coach of the Tournament. Chris Nyholm also earned the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Assistant Coach of the Year award, and Stark was named the ITA Rookie of the Year.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported us, our incredible coaching staff, Chris Nyholm and Paula Rivera, and Dr. Atwater and the administration. Also, a huge thank you to Dean Joe Bentrovato and Scott Keller for everything they do for us everyday,” Lytle said.
“We are so proud how they represented HCC and the sport of tennis. We look forward to another exciting year in 2026!” said Bentrovato.
For a tournament recap, please visit the NJCAA website. For more information on the ITA Junior College Women’s award winners, please visit their website.
The Lady Hawks currently practice and compete at the Tejas Pradip Patel HCC Tennis Center, located on the Dale Mabry Campus. For court registration, center hours and more, please visit hccfl.edu/tennis-center.
Hillsborough Community College serves more than 45,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit hccfl.edu.
HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOS) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Hillsborough Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500 or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).