Decatur, IL – The Millikin University Women's Tennis team looks to bounce back in 2026-27 following a 2025-26 campaign that saw the Big Blue finish 2-12 overall with a 1-7 record in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) play.  

Millikin will compete in 20 matches during the 2026-27 regular season, including eight CCIW matchups and 12 non-conference matches. The season opens Saturday, August 29, when the squad travels to Mount Vernon, Iowa, to take on Cornell College at 1:00 p.m.

The Big Blue will host their home opener on Wednesday, September 2, when Illinois College visits the 217 for a 4:00 p.m. match. CCIW play is set to begin on Saturday, September 12, when Millikin hosts North Central College at noon.

Head Coach Connor Barnard returns for his second season at the helm and welcomes seven players to the 2026-2027 roster, marking the largest roster for Big Blue Women's Tennis since 2023. The team is highlighted by returners Sophomores Sarah Parsons and Bella Griffiths and Junior Addi Ross.

"I think the team culture we have is going to be great and they are very hard workers," said Barnard. "I think the three returners are going to be great leaders for the team, especially with helping our new players adjust to a new program."   

The Big Blue officially takes the court Saturday, August 29 beginning the 2026-27 season with a road trip to Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa.