By Jacob Norling
February 4, 2026
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Westmont Women's Tennis is entering a new-look era, with a new head coach, and a very young roster with tons of inexperience at the NCAA Division II level. To counteract that inexperience, Westmont will lean on its new head coach, Sheila Snyder, who comes into her 36th season in Division II with 438 total victories. Snyder, who spent the previous three-plus decades at her Alma Mater, Wayne State, lightheartedly acknowledged the difference between her time in Michigan and the beginning of her tenure in Santa Barbara.
 
"There is definitely a learning curve," nodded Snyder. "In a lot of ways Westmont couldn't be more different than where I was. California versus the Midwest, this being such a small school versus being at one of the biggest public state schools in Michigan. 
 
"But, the small school environment is definitely more personalized. You see your players around campus all day, which is different for me and it's pretty cool. All change can be challenging, but I think for all of us, it's one that provides a lot of excitement."
 
Change is definitely a word that has come up often when talking about Westmont's upcoming season, as only five returners make up a roster that's majority is brand new to the Warrior community.
 
"I have six freshmen," acknowledged Snyder, "and no matter what school or what sport you're coaching there's certainly a learning curve. Our five returners have had to adjust not only to a new coach, but also what feels like a brand new team."
 
It is a transition, however, that has been aided by the buy-in of a couple returners for Westmont. Captains Sabina Salva and Avala Elwood have done all they can to help bridge the gap between generations of Westmont Tennis, with many conversations being initiated by the players themselves with their new head coach later summer.
 
"Sabina and Avala have been outstanding leaders since day one," said Snyder of her captains. "They have helped tremendously in terms of understanding the campus, community, conference and what to expect. 
 
"Sabina leads with enthusiasm and encouragement, bringing positive energy to everything she does. As a senior, she is deeply connected to both the team and the broader Westmont community, making her a trusted and respected presence. She was also selected to represent Westmont at the NCAA Division II Apple Training Institute in Colorado in addition to representing the PacWest conference.
 
"Avala, our co-captain, is a junior this year who brings both poise and purpose to our team. She is incredibly well-spoken and leads by example in everything she does. Wise beyond her years, she serves as a mentor to her teammates."
 
The fall allowed time for the group to get to know one another, and in doing so, a foundation was laid for what the group hopes to be a step forward for the program in 2026.
 
Snyder said, "We have made leaps and bounds from the fall to now, both on and off the court. The fall season is about bringing everyone together. It has been a season of helping each player trust their own potential while learning to rely on one another, and trusting the process."
 
"We are continuing to grow as a family. We aren't just getting better on the court, but we are also turning a page where the team is seeing the value in the family-aspect of this environment and coming together as we work towards a common goal."
 
Among the returning core is senior Justie Spitzer, who joins Salva and Liska Knight as the team's elder statesmen. Up and down the roster, Snyder sees a group that has bought in early.
 
"The upperclassmen set a great example of hard work at practice," shared Snyder. "It is so rewarding to see their growth and success as the season unfolds. I'm looking forward to the three seniors having an exciting last season to close out their four years. Their experience and leadership continues to help mold the newcomers. Watching the seniors play in the fall, I am super impressed with the progress they're consistently making."
 
Also returning is Boise-native Lauren Gee, who finished tied for the most singles wins on the team during her freshman year in 2025. 
 
"Lauren Gee is someone who has impressed me from day one," said Snyder. "It's exciting seeing players like her learn new patterns and different styles of play. For everyone, it's about figuring out how to elevate our game, and it is super fun watching the process of that unfold."
 
A few new faces headline Westmont's incoming class, such as Thea Donarski, a Canadian southpaw who figures to play near the top of Snyder's line-up.
 
"Thea is super talented," said Snyder. "I believe that she is going to be a tough opponent for players in this conference."
 
Another newcomer is local Ellie Triplett, who played down the road at Dos Pueblos High School. There is also Jessie Allen, from Edward, Colorado, Eleanor Edwards, from Loomis, and Emma Rashid, from the Lone Star State. 
   
When the season kicks off on Wednesday in Santa Barbara, the Warriors will look to turn on the page and begin anew, after winning just seven matches their first two seasons in the PacWest. The desire to push the program forward is something that Snyder and company most certainly possess.
 
"We are going to compete and play hard every match," stated Snyder. "My goal is to qualify for the conference tournament, be better today than we were yesterday, and come together as a family." 
 
"I believe in my players. It's a new era of Westmont tennis and I'm looking forward to the process. The team is a joy to be around." 
 
It all begins on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., when the Warriors take on Cal Lutheran in Santa Barbara.