Completed Event: Women's Tennis at #1 Auburn on May 8, 2026 , Loss , 2, to, 4
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Final
Women's Tennis
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at #1 Auburn
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Photo by: Duke Athletics
Seniors Shine: Coleman and Jackson Earn NCAA Bids
11/16/2024 10:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
DURHAM, N.C.-- For Ellie Coleman and Emma Jackson, the 2024 fall season marks more than just their final year at Duke -- it's a culmination of dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This fall, the two seniors etched their names into history as they qualified for the inaugural NCAA Fall Singles Championship.
In previous years, the singles and doubles championship took place immediately after the NCAA Team Championship in late May, but the NCAA is experimenting with this pilot program for two years to see how this schedule works.
Jackson is one of four Blue Devils to secure a spot in the NCAA Singles Championship, after a hard-fought 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Malak El Allami of Columbia in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Sectionals at the Chewning Tennis Center in Chapel Hill. The win underscored Jackson's resilience and skill as she clinched her second career appearance in NCAA singles and her first since her sophomore season.
"It was my last opportunity to qualify and I did it on the last opportunity actually to qualify," Jackson shared. "So, it means a lot and we've been putting in a lot of work this fall. It's really rewarding."
A native of La Grange Park, Ill., Jackson will head to Waco, Texas, for the tournament held Nov. 19-24. She last competed in the NCAA Singles Championship in 2023 and enters this year's event with a career singles record of 74-44.
Coleman, who qualified in doubles, also secured her place with an impressive performance in the ITA Sectionals.
Alongside her doubles partner, Irina Balus, Coleman earned an invitation to the NCAA Doubles Championship with a come-from-behind victory against Penn's Esha Velaga and Lara Stojanovski.
After losing the first set 1-6, Coleman and Balus rallied to win 6-4, 10-2 in the semifinals, earning their place in the finals and the automatic NCAA bid. The Duke duo have registered an impressive 7-1 ledger so far this fall teaming together.
"I'm excited. It's been a goal of mine since coming into college to make the individual tournament and so this is my last chance, especially having it be in the fall. I know Emma (Jackson) and I were talking last January, and we were like, 'Wait, all of our chances to qualify are in this calendar year, this is it!'," Coleman explained. "I'm just very happy and proud of myself and thankful for everyone who supported me to get to this point to be able to play in the last one."
For Jackson and Coleman, this milestone represents four years of hard work and camaraderie. Both student-athletes have faced their share of challenges on and off the court, and their journey together has shaped them into the fierce competitors they are today.
With that being said, Coleman's path to qualification wasn't without challenges. After narrowly missing out during regionals, she regrouped and showcased her competitive spirit at sectionals, earning her spot among the nation's best alongside doubles partner, Balus.
"It was disappointing to not get the bid from that (regionals)," Coleman admitted. "But we knew we had another chance at sectionals, and so really just went back prepared for that, and we were able to bounce back from being down in that last match in sectionals."
With Coleman and Jackson leading the charge, Duke's tennis program boasts an impressive contingent at this year's championship, including four singles players and a doubles team -- the largest representation from any school. Jackson praised her teammates, explaining:
"The girls are amazing," said Jackson. "We've created such a good culture so far, and it's been great to do that in the fall, rather than waiting around for the season to start in the spring. We've started with a great base and we have great potential this spring. I'm excited to see where we can go and all the girls are very excited, so that makes a really good atmosphere."
Joining Coleman, Balus and Jackson at nationals will be sophomore Shavit Kimchi and sophomore Eleana Yu. Balus will be competing in both singles and doubles.
But, what these two seniors have is special with their relationship on and off the court marked with resilience and unwavering support throughout their time as Blue Devils.
"Ellie (Coleman) has been through it all with me. Having her with me is amazing, and I think we've done a great job throughout the four years. It's extra rewarding that we get to be there together," explained Jackson.
Coleman echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the unique bond she and Jackson share, which has been a defining factor throughout their careers, sharing that:
"We've had each other's back since day one here, and so to finish out our last individual season together in Waco will be great."
These two seniors, who have played pivotal roles in shaping the team's success, are set to leave an indelible mark on the program. They have helped guide the Blue Devils to 42 team victories, a trip to the NCAA Semifinals, an ACC Championship, 139 singles wins and 118 doubles victories over the last three and a half years.
As they prepare for the NCAA Fall Singles and Doubles Championships, Coleman and Jackson's leadership and determination set the tone for a promising spring season. For now, all eyes are on Waco as two seniors cap their careers on the national stage, leaving an indelible mark on Duke women's tennis.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's tennis, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWTEN".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
In previous years, the singles and doubles championship took place immediately after the NCAA Team Championship in late May, but the NCAA is experimenting with this pilot program for two years to see how this schedule works.
Jackson is one of four Blue Devils to secure a spot in the NCAA Singles Championship, after a hard-fought 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Malak El Allami of Columbia in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Sectionals at the Chewning Tennis Center in Chapel Hill. The win underscored Jackson's resilience and skill as she clinched her second career appearance in NCAA singles and her first since her sophomore season.
"It was my last opportunity to qualify and I did it on the last opportunity actually to qualify," Jackson shared. "So, it means a lot and we've been putting in a lot of work this fall. It's really rewarding."
A native of La Grange Park, Ill., Jackson will head to Waco, Texas, for the tournament held Nov. 19-24. She last competed in the NCAA Singles Championship in 2023 and enters this year's event with a career singles record of 74-44.
Coleman, who qualified in doubles, also secured her place with an impressive performance in the ITA Sectionals.
Alongside her doubles partner, Irina Balus, Coleman earned an invitation to the NCAA Doubles Championship with a come-from-behind victory against Penn's Esha Velaga and Lara Stojanovski.
After losing the first set 1-6, Coleman and Balus rallied to win 6-4, 10-2 in the semifinals, earning their place in the finals and the automatic NCAA bid. The Duke duo have registered an impressive 7-1 ledger so far this fall teaming together.
"I'm excited. It's been a goal of mine since coming into college to make the individual tournament and so this is my last chance, especially having it be in the fall. I know Emma (Jackson) and I were talking last January, and we were like, 'Wait, all of our chances to qualify are in this calendar year, this is it!'," Coleman explained. "I'm just very happy and proud of myself and thankful for everyone who supported me to get to this point to be able to play in the last one."
For Jackson and Coleman, this milestone represents four years of hard work and camaraderie. Both student-athletes have faced their share of challenges on and off the court, and their journey together has shaped them into the fierce competitors they are today.
With that being said, Coleman's path to qualification wasn't without challenges. After narrowly missing out during regionals, she regrouped and showcased her competitive spirit at sectionals, earning her spot among the nation's best alongside doubles partner, Balus.
"It was disappointing to not get the bid from that (regionals)," Coleman admitted. "But we knew we had another chance at sectionals, and so really just went back prepared for that, and we were able to bounce back from being down in that last match in sectionals."
With Coleman and Jackson leading the charge, Duke's tennis program boasts an impressive contingent at this year's championship, including four singles players and a doubles team -- the largest representation from any school. Jackson praised her teammates, explaining:
"The girls are amazing," said Jackson. "We've created such a good culture so far, and it's been great to do that in the fall, rather than waiting around for the season to start in the spring. We've started with a great base and we have great potential this spring. I'm excited to see where we can go and all the girls are very excited, so that makes a really good atmosphere."
Joining Coleman, Balus and Jackson at nationals will be sophomore Shavit Kimchi and sophomore Eleana Yu. Balus will be competing in both singles and doubles.
But, what these two seniors have is special with their relationship on and off the court marked with resilience and unwavering support throughout their time as Blue Devils.
"Ellie (Coleman) has been through it all with me. Having her with me is amazing, and I think we've done a great job throughout the four years. It's extra rewarding that we get to be there together," explained Jackson.
Coleman echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the unique bond she and Jackson share, which has been a defining factor throughout their careers, sharing that:
"We've had each other's back since day one here, and so to finish out our last individual season together in Waco will be great."
These two seniors, who have played pivotal roles in shaping the team's success, are set to leave an indelible mark on the program. They have helped guide the Blue Devils to 42 team victories, a trip to the NCAA Semifinals, an ACC Championship, 139 singles wins and 118 doubles victories over the last three and a half years.
As they prepare for the NCAA Fall Singles and Doubles Championships, Coleman and Jackson's leadership and determination set the tone for a promising spring season. For now, all eyes are on Waco as two seniors cap their careers on the national stage, leaving an indelible mark on Duke women's tennis.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's tennis, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWTEN".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
Monday, January 26
Monday, January 26
Saturday, May 10
Saturday, May 10
