St. John’s to Open Spring Season in Fort Myers This Weekend

Friday, January 16

Fort Myers, Fla. (FGCU Tennis Complex)

10 a.m.

St. John's University

FGCU

St. John’s to Open Spring Season in Fort Myers This Weekend

1/15/2026 11:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis

Live Stats (Match 1)

Red Storm is set for matchups with Florida Gulf Coast and Miami Ohio

QUEENS, N.Y. – The St. John's women's tennis team will open its spring campaign on Friday, Jan. 16, facing host Florida Gulf Coast at 10 a.m. and Miami Ohio on Sunday, Jan. 18 at the FGCU Tennis Complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

Under the direction of Head Coach Lauren Leo, the Red Storm have dominated season openers, compiling an impressive 9-1 record, including a six-match win streak, dating back to 2020.

The Johnnies are coming off their 10th consecutive BIG EAST Tournament Semifinal appearance under Head Coach Lauren Leo in 2025. This year's roster features six returners from last season's team that recorded 14 victories, marking the program's fifth straight year with double-digit wins. Leo has also added two newcomers to the squad in Abi Redman and Nao Kojima.

Senior captain Charlotta Buss enjoyed a strong fall campaign, earning 14 victories over five tournament. The Bocholt, Germany product advanced to the Round of 32 in doubles play at the ITA Northeast Regionals alongside fellow standout Giulia Bizzari. Bizzari, a sophomore, posted 11 wins during the fall season, providing a strong foundation heading into her second year in Queens.

Friday's season opener will be just the fifth all-time meeting between the Red Storm and Florida Gulf Coast and the second consecutive year the teams will face off following last season's contest in Fort Myers. Two days later, the Johnnies will take on Miami Ohio at 10 a.m., marking the first meeting between the two programs.

Florida Gulf Coast returns two of the ASUN Conference's top performers in Preseason Player of the Year Nora Svensson and Freshman of the Year Anjali Kotecha. Svensson posted a 12–6 overall record, including a 4–2 mark in conference play, while Kotecha recorded 14 victories with a 7–2 ASUN record during her debut season.

Miami Ohio is led by 2025 MAC Coach of the Year Ricardo Rosas, who guided the RedHawks to a 9–1 conference record and the program's 24th MAC regular season title.

Following the season-opening weekend, the Johnnies are set to return to action on Jan. 30, when they face Fairfield at the USTA National Tennis Center for their home opener.