BOWIE, MD — The Bowie State women's tennis team will open the 2026 campaign with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 7, facing Elizabeth City State at 10 a.m. and Shippensburg at 4 p.m. at the BSU Tennis Courts in Bowie.

2026 Women's Tennis Squad
The Bulldogs enter the season with several new faces as head coach Todd Byrom begins his third season at the helm. Byrom welcomes four newcomers expected to make an immediate impact: Asia Johnson (Fr., Mitchellville, Md.), Mil'lanni Marte (So., Waldorf, Md.), Daisy Pentorn (Fr., Odenton, Md.), and Payton Swinon (So., Odenton, Md.).

Returning to lead the team is captain Verneice Herndon, a three-year letterwinner from Washington, D.C., who looks to compete at a high level and make a strong impact this season. Joining her is Nakari Blunt of Suffolk, Va., the 2025 CIAA Rookie of the Year and an All-CIAA selection. During her freshman campaign, Blunt competed in 10 singles matches, earning four victories while primarily playing in the No. 2 position for the Bulldogs.

Bowie State also welcomes new Associate Head Coach Jeri Ingram, a former University of Maryland All-ACC selection who spent eight years playing professional tennis on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.