What’s next for Auburn women’s tennis? Here’s a look at the recruits coming, and the shape of the roster for 2026-27
Here’s a dive into the early outlook for next season, and why head coach Jordan Szabo believes the team could be even better next year than it was this year.
No rest for the weary.
Just three days after Auburn’s loss in the national championship final on Sunday in Athens, departing senior Angella Okutoyi was already out on the circuit, playing Wednesday in an International Tennis Federation W50 in Pelham.
At the same time, DJ Bennett was on her way to the airport to get to a wildcard qualifier in North Carolina to try to make it to a W250 in Memphis this summer. Inside the Yarbrough Tennis Center in Auburn, Ekaterina Khairutdinova was back on the practice court taking swings, preparing for another upcoming tournament.
And next door, inside the coaches’ office, head coach Jordan Szabo was rubbing his eyes, getting ready for a visiting recruit and working through a chaotic part of the year, looking to finalize the roster and outlook for next season.
The transfer portal for women’s tennis remains open until June 2.
“I think everyone’s disappointed we didn’t win it all,” Szabo said. “But I think there’s a lot to be pleased with, and I think that the girls who are coming back are excited. The girls who obviously aren’t have already kind of moved on a little bit … They’re back on the horse.”
Those three seniors are Auburn’s graduating departures: Bennett, Khairutdinova and Okutoyi. One reserve from this past season is also in the portal so far. Auburn has signed two incoming freshmen, so far, with room to pick up another — and has an ace up the sleeve already signed and on campus and waiting to become NCAA-eligible starting next season.
Here’s a look at the outlook for 2026-27 for Auburn women’s tennis:
The captains for next season
Szabo shortly after the team got back from the NCAA Championships held his “exit interviews” with his players, setting expectations for the summer before they scattered home to get some needed rest.
He’s already named his captains for next year, as the team turns its focus toward 2026-27: