Tritons Secure First Five-Star Recruit of Division I Era as Program Continues Rapid Rise in Big West Competition
LA JOLLA, Calif. | The future of UC San Diego women's tennis has never looked brighter.
The Tennis Recruiting Network released its annual recruiting class rankings Friday, and the Tritons earned the highest recruiting ranking in program history, checking in at No. 20 nationally among all mid-major programs. The recognition marks the second consecutive year UC San Diego has appeared in the rankings and further validates the program's growing reputation on the national stage.
After debuting at No. 23 in last year's rankings, the Tritons climbed three spots in 2026, becoming one of only two schools from the Big West Conference to earn a place in the prestigious rankings.
The historic recruiting class was assembled by head coach Sebastian Bader and associate head coach Jake De Vries, who secured commitments from three highly regarded recruits, led by a groundbreaking addition.
The headline name is Sonya Goldberg, a five-star recruit from Orinda, California, who becomes the first five-star signee for the program since UC San Diego transitioned to NCAA Division I competition in 2020.
Goldberg enters college tennis with impressive credentials. She is ranked No. 45 nationally and No. 10 in California among graduating high school players, making her one of the most accomplished recruits ever to join the Tritons.
Joining Goldberg is fellow California standout Cassie Blakey, a four-star recruit from Palos Verdes Estates who brings additional depth and high-level experience to the incoming class.
The international flavor of the recruiting haul comes from Kannchaya Chungwatana, a talented prospect from Thailand whose addition reflects UC San Diego's expanding recruiting footprint and growing global appeal.
The class extends beyond incoming freshmen. The Tritons will also welcome graduate transfer Emma Pell, who arrives from William & Mary. Pell was a four-star recruit coming out of high school in 2022 and brings valuable collegiate experience to an already promising roster.
The influx of talent comes at an ideal time for a UC San Diego program that continues to build momentum in NCAA Division I competition. During the 2025-26 season, five underclassmen played key roles for the Tritons, and two-thirds of the lineup at the Big West Championship consisted of younger players.
The ranking is another milestone in the university's successful transition from NCAA Division II powerhouse to Division I contender. Long recognized for academic excellence and athletic achievement, UC San Diego has steadily elevated its profile across multiple sports while maintaining one of the nation's highest graduation rates among public institutions.
For the Tritons, the latest recruiting success signals that the foundation is firmly in place for sustained growth. With elite recruits, experienced transfers, and a young core already competing at a high level, UC San Diego women's tennis appears poised to make significant noise in the Big West and beyond in the years ahead.
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-- By Michael R. Thomas
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