For years, the Viking women’s tennis team has aimed to make a name for itself in the competitive Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), facing powerhouses and repeat conference champions like Wheaton College and North Central College.

But 2024 was different. The Vikings defied expectations, slaying giants on their historic run.

Building off their first winning record in years from the 2023–24 season, the Vikings hoped to capitalize on their momentum in fall 2024. With a mixture of newcomers and seasoned veterans, they brought their best every time they stepped on the court in the preseason.

“The preseason is when we set the tone for the rest of the year,” said Maddie Starr BA ’25, BS ’25. “We arrive on campus in August a week early and spend that time practicing. I always look forward to it because that’s when we challenge ourselves most and fight for our spot on the court.”

Led by experienced Head Coach Karl Soderstrom BS ’93, MA ’95 and Assistant Coach Alice Copland MOL ’21, the team felt prepared for the fight ahead.

The support and motivation from our team leaders and coaches pushed us to succeed on and off the court. Everyone showed up and took responsibility, even on the hard days. That’s what made the difference.

—ALEX RISTFELDT

With commanding wins over conference and nonconference opponents in early September, the Vikings felt prepared to face their biggest challenge, 21-time conference champion Wheaton.

North Park rose to the occasion, taking two out of three doubles matches and four out of six singles matches to secure a win, their first ever against Wheaton in the regular season.

“Once we beat them, we realized we had a shot at winning it all,” said Starr. “Although we felt confident going into the season, you don’t know if you’ve got what it takes to win until you find yourself in that pressure.”

Embracing the challenge, the Vikings went undefeated through early October, establishing themselves as a legitimate title threat.

In the season’s second-to-last conference match, North Park faced Elmhurst University with a share of the CCIW title on the line. The Vikings swept the series in memorable fashion, losing only four out of the series’ 72 points and earning the program’s first CCIW title.

Although North Park fell to North Central in the season’s final match, the teams split the conference title win alongside Wheaton. To the Vikings, the victory was more than a trophy— it was a statement of who they are and what’s to come. Their resilience and determination have redefined the program, setting a new standard that future players will endeavor to surpass as they look to win the title outright next season.

“The support and motivation from our team leaders and coaches pushed us to succeed on and off the court,” said Alex Ristfeldt BA ’25. “Everyone showed up and took responsibility, even on the hard days. That’s what made the difference.”

As the Vikings celebrated their historic season, they weren’t just reflecting on their journey—they were setting the foundation for the future. No longer just competitors in the CCIW, North Park women’s tennis has proven they belong at the top. And they’re just getting started.