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Tempe, AZ – Working in collaboration with the ITA Student-Athlete Council, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (“ITA”) is proud to spotlight another student-athlete in our monthly heritage month spotlights that aim to highlight the many diverse backgrounds that make up the sport of college tennis.
With March being Women’s History Month, the ITA is continuing to spotlight female student-athletes and coaches, allowing them to have a platform to share their stories and experiences. This week’s spotlight features Lindsay Eisenman from CMS who has been a leader of one of the nation’s top programs, helping guide the Athena’s to an NCAA Championship her freshman year and a ITA National Team Indoor Championship last year.
As a three-time ITA All-American (2x Doubles, 1x Singles) during her first two seasons with the Athenas, Eisenman has quickly cemented herself as one of the top players in the country, compiling a 41-11 singles record from the No. 1 spot for CMS. As a freshman, Eisenman went 40-1 in all dual match competition (20-1 in singles, 20-0 in doubles) helping the Athenas to a NCAA Championship.
Returning last season with more pressure and more of a leadership role on the team, Eisenman rose once again to the occasion finishing as a finalist at the ITA Cup and clinching the ITA National Team Indoor Championship title over UChicago to claim her second National Championship in as many years. This season, Eisenman is once again playing an influential role for a CMS team that finished as the ITA National Team Indoor Championship finalists and who currently rank No. 2 in the country.
In this spotlight, Eisenman will share a little bit about herself and some of her experiences as a female athlete in the tennis community and how she hopes to make an impact on future generations.
See what Eisenman had to say in this spotlight below:
How did you start playing tennis? What inspired you to pursue tennis at this level?I was introduced to tennis at a young age by my dad, who played at UC Berkeley and competed on the pro tour. He would take me to public courts where we’d hit together, and I soon fell in love with the sport. Even though I played several other sports growing up, tennis stood out to me because it was more of an individual sport that constantly challenged me to improve. I loved the competition aspect, strategy, and the sense of accomplishment that came with hard work day in and day out. As I played more tournaments and built friendships within the tennis community, I knew I wanted to continue playing at a high level. Through years of dedication, I worked my way up to playing and competing in national tournaments, and eventually, the opportunity to play for CMS. Through college tennis, I have had the opportunity to see the collaborative and team-oriented side of tennis, which has only inspired me more.
Who were your role models or biggest supporters along the way? How did they influence your tennis career?My biggest supporters have always been my parents, who made my dream of playing college tennis possible. My dad, in particular, was a huge influence—not only as my role model but also as my coach. He was a successful college player himself, and throughout my junior career, he trained with me every day, taking me to tournaments on the weekends and being my biggest motivator. He taught me the value of perseverance, mental toughness, and discipline. These qualities have shaped my approach to both tennis and life. My mom has also been instrumental, offering constant encouragement and unconditional support. My parents continue to show this same support in my college career, coming to a majority of my matches.
Did you face any challenges as a woman pursuing sports at a high level? If so, how did you overcome them?Yes, I’ve faced challenges, especially in terms of equal recognition and support for women’s sports in comparison to men’s. Growing up, I often noticed that boys’ matches drew larger crowds and received more media attention, which was discouraging at times. There were also moments when I felt underestimated or had to prove myself more, simply because I was a woman in sport. However, I used those experiences as motivation to work even harder. I surrounded myself with a strong support system who reinforced my belief in my abilities. At Claremont McKenna, I’m involved in the Women Empowerment in Sports Club, which has also provided me with a network of strong and supportive women who are involved in different collegiate sports but collectively uplift each other. Overcoming these challenges required resilience and confidence, and I hope to inspire young girls to push past similar barriers in their own journeys.
What has been the most rewarding part of your college tennis experience so far?Winning the NCAA championship my freshman year in Orlando has definitely been the most rewarding part of my college tennis experience so far. That victory wasn’t just about the title and the trophy that came with it; it highlighted the reward of months of dedication, early morning lifts, late-night practices, and the commitment of our entire team. The journey was just as rewarding as the result, and sharing that experience with my teammates, who had become some of my closest friends, made it even more special. The joy, camaraderie, and sense of accomplishment in that moment reminded me why I love this sport and competing for my college.
Did you have a favorite female athlete you looked up to as a child? How did seeing this representation inspire you to pursue sports?Maria Sharapova was my favorite female athlete growing up. Although I admired her aggressive game style, what stood out the most to me was her mentality. She never showed doubt, never let emotions take over, and always fought until the very last point. Whenever I would watch her play, I could never tell if she was winning or losing based on her attitude and body language. I tried to embody that same resilience in my own game. Seeing a strong female athlete dominate on the biggest stages reassured me that women’s tennis was a space where I could thrive, and it pushed me to pursue my own aspirations.
What advice would you give to young girls who dream of playing college tennis?I would tell young girls who dream of playing college tennis to trust the process and focus on consistent improvement rather than immediate results. Success in tennis isn’t about winning every junior match—it’s about developing your game, learning from the tough losses, and staying dedicated to growth so that you can become a better player. Improvement is not a straight line and sometimes comes with ups and downs that provide crucial lessons for long term success. It is important to work hard every time you step on the court and to keep a positive attitude. Most importantly, enjoy the journey! Tennis is an incredible sport that can open so many doors and create lifelong friendships.
What are some ways that female athletes can be better supported in collegiate athletics? Are there any specific changes or initiatives you’d like to see in college athletics to uplift female student-athletes?I think increasing visibility and equal support for women’s sports is crucial. That means better attendance at matches, more media coverage, and equal access to resources like facilities and coaching staff. At my school, I’m involved in the Women Empowerment in Sports Club, which works to support female athletes and empower the younger generation. One of my favorite events has been celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day, where we introduce elementary school girls to different sports and host a “Women and Historical Events in Sports” bingo game. I’d love to see similar programs expand at other universities, fostering mentorship between college athletes and younger girls. Representation matters, and when girls see strong female athletes being celebrated, it inspires them to chase their own dreams.
What legacy do you hope to leave for future women’s tennis players at your school or in the sport overall?I hope to leave a legacy of resilience, leadership, and community. I want to be remembered not just for my performance on the court but for the impact I had in supporting my teammates and uplifting women’s tennis at my school and broader community. I want future players to know that their presence, their efforts, and their dreams are just as valuable as anyone else’s. If I can inspire even one young girl to believe in herself and pursue tennis with confidence, then I know I’ve made a difference. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to a culture where female athletes continue to be empowered, celebrated, and given the opportunities they deserve.
