University of North Carolina Athletics
Women's Tennis Signs Three From Class Of 2026
November 20, 2025 | Women's Tennis
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina women's tennis and head coach Brian Kalbas announced the addition of three signees expected to join the program in the fall of 2026. The three newest Tar Heels include Ishika Ashar and Alexis and Avery Nguyen.
Ishika Ashar is set to head to Chapel Hill from Boca Raton, Fla., after having an impressive junior career. The Florida native is a blue-chip recruit according to tennisrecruiting.net. Ashar won the 2024 USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 16s Singles National Championship, a title she shares with past and current Tar Heels Fiona Crawley, Reese Brantmeier and Tatum Evans. The newest Tar Heel is eager to join a program and university where there is a constant commitment to excellence. Ashar said, "Carolina isn't just a school, it's a standard. The drive to be great, the commitment to excellence and the family culture make UNC the perfect place to chase my dreams."
Alexis and Avery Nguyen are twins from El Dorado Hills, Calif., who are both rated as blue-chip, top-10 prospects according to tennisrecruiting.net.
Avery was rated as high as No. 8 in the 2026 recruiting class according to tennisrecruiting.net. Avery captured the Bronze Ball at the 18's Winter Nationals and holds a career-high ITF women's professional world ranking of No. 631. Avery looks forward to joining the Tar Heels and their competitive culture. "The coaches create such a good environment for the team. The culture here is truly amazing with everyone looking to push each other to be the best version of themselves," added Avery Nguyen.
Considered the top-ranked U.S. prospect in her class, Alexis Nguyen has earned the singles titles at the Girls' 16's Orange Bowl and Girls' 18's Winter Nationals and competed in the 2025 Women's U.S. Open. She also noted Carolina's culture as she said, "Carolina's culture, coaching and academics match exactly how I want to grow as an athlete. The team environment also pushes everyone to the highest standard."
Kalbas added, "We couldn't be more excited for these three to join our Tar Heel family next fall. They all have a burning desire to grow on and off the court and to represent UNC. The future is bright for each and every one of them and for the Heels with them as members of our team."
After reaching the 2025 NCAA Final Four, the Tar Heels kick off their 2026 campaign hosting Campbell on Jan. 11.
Ishika Ashar is set to head to Chapel Hill from Boca Raton, Fla., after having an impressive junior career. The Florida native is a blue-chip recruit according to tennisrecruiting.net. Ashar won the 2024 USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 16s Singles National Championship, a title she shares with past and current Tar Heels Fiona Crawley, Reese Brantmeier and Tatum Evans. The newest Tar Heel is eager to join a program and university where there is a constant commitment to excellence. Ashar said, "Carolina isn't just a school, it's a standard. The drive to be great, the commitment to excellence and the family culture make UNC the perfect place to chase my dreams."
Alexis and Avery Nguyen are twins from El Dorado Hills, Calif., who are both rated as blue-chip, top-10 prospects according to tennisrecruiting.net.
Avery was rated as high as No. 8 in the 2026 recruiting class according to tennisrecruiting.net. Avery captured the Bronze Ball at the 18's Winter Nationals and holds a career-high ITF women's professional world ranking of No. 631. Avery looks forward to joining the Tar Heels and their competitive culture. "The coaches create such a good environment for the team. The culture here is truly amazing with everyone looking to push each other to be the best version of themselves," added Avery Nguyen.
Considered the top-ranked U.S. prospect in her class, Alexis Nguyen has earned the singles titles at the Girls' 16's Orange Bowl and Girls' 18's Winter Nationals and competed in the 2025 Women's U.S. Open. She also noted Carolina's culture as she said, "Carolina's culture, coaching and academics match exactly how I want to grow as an athlete. The team environment also pushes everyone to the highest standard."
Kalbas added, "We couldn't be more excited for these three to join our Tar Heel family next fall. They all have a burning desire to grow on and off the court and to represent UNC. The future is bright for each and every one of them and for the Heels with them as members of our team."
After reaching the 2025 NCAA Final Four, the Tar Heels kick off their 2026 campaign hosting Campbell on Jan. 11.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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