The Portland State women's tennis team is bolstering its roster for the 2026 season with the signing of two new players: Sofiia Ziukyna from Kharkiv, Ukraine, and Nikhitha Suresh, a local talent from Portland. Both will begin their collegiate careers in the fall of 2026, adding significant potential to the team. Coach Mike Mucci praised their talent and character, highlighting Suresh's impressive ranking in Oregon and Ziukyna's international competition experience as vital assets for the Vikings' culture.

By the Numbers
  • Nikhitha Suresh is ranked No. 2 in Oregon and No. 8 in the Pacific Northwest for the class of 2026.
  • During her high school career, Suresh placed third in singles at the OSAA 6A State Championships in both 2024 and 2025.
State of Play
  • This signing adds depth to a young Vikings roster, which features only one upperclassman for the upcoming season.
  • Coach Mucci is entering his second season and is focusing on building a talented and cohesive team.
What's Next

Suresh and Ziukyna will arrive on campus in the fall of 2026, where they will begin training and competing with the Vikings as freshmen. Their development and contributions will be closely monitored as they adapt to college-level tennis.

Bottom Line

The addition of Sofiia Ziukyna and Nikhitha Suresh signals an exciting future for the Portland State women's tennis program, emphasizing a focus on cultivating local talent and international experience in its quest for success in the Big Sky Conference.