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University of the District of Columbia’s Polina Zelentsova Named ECC Preseason Player of the Year
Posted: Aug 18, 2025

University of the District of Columbia’s Polina Zelentsova Named ECC Preseason Player of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The University of the District of Columbia women's tennis program enters the 2025 season with momentum and high expectations, led by standout junior Polina Zelentsova, who has been named the East Coast Conference (ECC) Preseason Player of the Year. The Firebirds were also voted third in the ECC Women's Tennis Preseason Poll.

Zelentsova, a native of Chaiky, Ukraine, burst onto the scene with an impressive sophomore campaign in 2024. She posted a 5-1-1 singles record and a 5-2 mark in doubles play, showcasing her dominance across both formats. In ECC competition, she was unbeatable—going a perfect 3-0 in both singles and doubles, while dropping just one singles set along the way. Her success earned her the No. 2 ranking in the ITA East Region Singles Rankings, placing her among the elite competitors in collegiate tennis.

The Firebirds are no strangers to championship contention. Since winning the ECC title in 2021-22, UDC has reached the conference semifinals three straight years. With Zelentsova anchoring the lineup and a strong supporting cast, the Firebirds are poised to challenge perennial powers Queens College and St. Thomas Aquinas for the conference crown.

Queens College enters as the preseason favorite with four first-place votes and 22 points, followed closely by St. Thomas Aquinas with 19 points and one first-place nod. UDC tallied 18 points to secure third place, while Daemen and D'Youville tied for fourth with eight points apiece.

This season also brings a new twist, as the ECC Women's Tennis Championship shifts from the fall to the spring, with the 2026 tournament set for April 24-25.

2025-26 ECC Women's Tennis Preseason Poll
1. Queens - 22 points (4 first-place votes)

2. St. Thomas Aquinas - 19 points (1 first-place vote)

3. District of Columbia - 18 points

4. Daemen - 8 points

5. D'Youville - 8 points


2025-26 ECC Preseason Player of the Year
Polina Zelentsova, Jr., University of the District of Columbia