TEMPE, Ariz. — Over the course of the 2025-26 college tennis season, members of the ITA Student-Athlete Council will be featured in monthly spotlights that will give the greater college tennis community an inside look at some of our Student-Athlete Council members and what they are accomplishing on and off the court.
The next spotlight of the season features Lydia Zafeiri, a senior at Queens College who’s using her student-athlete experience to fuel her passion for sports, leadership and business in hopes of continuing to make an impact in athletics following graduation.
“Through the Alumni Career Spotlight Series, I learned the importance of creating opportunities that connect and inspire others. When student-athletes use their platform with purpose and consistency, they can make a lasting impact that extends far beyond their years of competition. The relationships you build and the lives you positively influence often become the most meaningful part of your legacy.”
Read more about Lydia in this spotlight below:
Why was it important to you to apply to the ITA Student-Athlete Council, and what does it mean to you to represent college tennis athletes from across all levels of play, as well as specifically the level of play where you compete?
As an international student from Greece, college tennis opened doors that I never could have imagined when I first moved to the United States. Experiencing different institutions and programs gave me a unique perspective on the student-athlete experience, which inspired me to apply to the ITA Student-Athlete Council and give back to a sport that has shaped so much of my life. It is an honor to represent athletes from all levels of college tennis, while proudly advocating for the perspectives and experiences of NCAA Division II student-athletes and helping ensure their voices are heard. I hope to help create opportunities and initiatives that positively impact current student-athletes and strengthen the future of our sport.
Your collegiate tennis journey wasn’t seamless; at your first school, you faced several challenges, including coaching shifts and recruiting hurdles, but you took your future into your own hands and ultimately made it to the National Championships with Queens College. What message or advice do you have for student-athletes who are currently stuck in tough athletic situations but feel paralyzed by the uncertainty?
My journey taught me that uncertainty does not mean your story is over; it often means a new chapter is beginning. I learned that some of life’s greatest opportunities can come from moments you never planned for and outcomes you never expected. I was fortunate to have incredible people around me who supported and encouraged me along the way, reminding me to keep believing in myself. Trust your work, stay focused on your goals, and remember that one difficult moment does not define your future and the setbacks you face today may ultimately lead you to opportunities that are even greater than you imagined.
You have been a powerful advocate for mental health, organizing dedication games for Morgan’ s Message and spearheading the Hope Walk on campus. In high-stakes sports, athletes are often conditioned to hide vulnerability. How do you balance the drive required to compete at the collegiate level with the open compassion needed to champion mental health awareness off the court?
For me, mental health and performance are not separate conversations; they go hand in hand. As athletes, we are often taught to be tough, but I have learned that true strength also means recognizing when we need support and creating space for honest conversations. Throughout my time in SAAC at both of my institutions, I helped organize initiatives such as Morgan’s Message dedication games and the Hope Walk, where I saw firsthand how open conversations about mental health can make others feel supported and less alone. I believe that prioritizing mental well-being does not take away from competitive success; rather, it allows athletes to perform at their best while building a healthier and more supportive team culture.
As the Outreach Chair on the Council, you successfully spearheaded impactful community initiatives, most notably the Alumni Career Spotlight Series. What advice do you have for student-athletes who want to use their platform to champion lasting, meaningful change on their own campuses and within the broader college athletics community?
My advice is to find something you are passionate about and look for ways to make a difference, no matter how small the opportunity may seem. Meaningful change does not always begin with large-scale initiatives; it often starts with one conversation, one event, or one idea that brings people together. Through the Alumni Career Spotlight Series, I learned the importance of creating opportunities that connect and inspire others. When student-athletes use their platform with purpose and consistency, they can make a lasting impact that extends far beyond their years of competition. The relationships you build and the lives you positively influence often become the most meaningful part of your legacy.
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Student-Athlete Council Spotlight: Rohit Jain
Student-Athlete Council Spotlight: Stella Fruijtier
Student-Athlete Council Spotlight: Rohan Murali
Student-Athlete Council Spotlight: Elisabeth Dunac
The ITA Student-Athlete Council is a committee of student-athletes who play college tennis assembled to provide insights regarding the sport with a special emphasis on the student-athlete experience. The goals of this committee are as follows: Present a student-athlete voice within the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) (1), Offer input regarding matters pertaining to the sport, particularly issues impacting the lives of student-athletes (2), Work to enhance the student-athlete experience specific to college tennis across all divisions (3), Invest in the leaders of tomorrow by creating leadership and professional development opportunities (4).