LINFIELD UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S TENNIS • 2026 SPRING SEASON

MEET THE WILDCATS

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Majoring in Mathematics

Longview, Washington

Vancouver, Washington Majoring in Marketing

Majoring in Int’l Business

Oregon Majoring in Biology

Gresham, Oregon

Majoring in Nursing

Mililani, Hawaii

Majoring in Public Health

Los

California Majoring in Management

2026 SEASON OUTLOOK

by joe stuart

Progress is the name of the game for the Linfield women’s tennis program as a reinforced roster takes the court in the second season of eighth-year head coach Phil Whitehead’s second stint running the program.

A disappointing 2025 saw a short-handed Wildcats squad face a multitude of adversities, but four newcomers have joined six returning players, fueling hope for improvement.

“I am very excited about the steps we have made going into this spring,” said Whitehead, assessing the 2026 campaign. “Our returning players have shown so much growth and our newcomers have been a big surprise so far.”

Junior Kaitlynn Canubida will be at the top of Linfield‘s ladder after an impressive 2025 capped with all-Northwest Conference honors, leading the team with eight singles wins and four more wins in doubles.

“Kaitlynn is entrenched in our top position,” said Whitehead. “She worked hard over the summer to take her game to the next level and prepare to lead this team. There are some very good players at the No. 1 position in this conference, but I truly believe she’s going to surprise some people with her will and determination to win.”

Fellow junior Emily Redwood will try and build on strong fall tournament performances after facing injuries last year, and improvement should be expected from sophomore Sundi King as well.

“We’ve seen flashes of the type of player Emily can be. We’ll continue to put in the physical training necessary for her to be at her best and back on the court consistently,” said Whitehead.

“Sundi has shown so much development. Her game

has matured and become much more powerful. I know that she is going to be a big reason this team is going to step forward.”

The Wildcats return more upper-class leadership in junior Sam Baltz, who rejoins the roster after taking a leave of absence last season.

“Sam’s return after having to leave school last March has been such a huge shot of adrenaline for this team,” said Whitehead. “Her game not only picked up where it left off but has come back stronger and smarter than ever.”

Linfield’s newcomers will likely see plenty of opportunities to join the lineup, with freshmen Gianna Molony and Lyla Khlee expected to contribute right away.

“Gianna brings 6A state-tournament experience along with a surprisingly strong singles game that I feel will make our lineup so much tougher,” said Whitehead. “Lyla’s another hardworking young player that will add great depth to our squad. She is positioned to be a powerful addition to the back end of our lineup.”

Veterans Lilianna Cano and Elise Reese, and newcomers Steffanie Stark and Sophie Benke, may also work their way into the lineup.

The Wildcats are aiming to finish among the top four teams in the conference standings this spring with hopes of reaching the NWC Tournament in April for the first time since 2023.

“This is a very special group of young ladies who will represent Linfield at a high level both on the court and in the classroom,” said Whitehead. “We are headed in the right direction and working hard to improve to where we believe Linfield deserves to be.”