Liberty University announced on Apr. 28 that Head Coach Dash Connell has been named the 2026 Conference USA Coach of the Year, leading a group of ten postseason awards for the women’s tennis team. Milana Tsulygina was recognized as Freshman of the Year, while Maria Turchetto received Singles Player of the Championship honors. The doubles team of Turchetto and Yoanna Radulova was selected as Doubles Team of the Championship.
These awards come after Liberty secured its first-ever conference title under Connell’s leadership in his second year with the program. The Lady Flames won four consecutive matches in tournament play, culminating in a 4-0 victory over Delaware to claim the championship.
In addition to individual accolades, Daniella O’Neill and Turchetto were named to the CUSA All-Conference Singles first team. Tsulygina earned spots on both the CUSA All-Conference Singles second team and All-Freshman Team. For doubles, Turchetto and Radulova made the CUSA All-Conference Doubles first team, while O’Neill and Tsulygina were placed on the second team.
Liberty finished its season with a record of 16-9 and will face Washington (19-5) in its first-ever appearance at the NCAA Women’s Tennis Championship national tournament.
Connell led Liberty to four wins in four days during championship play, including a strong home record with six wins out of seven matches and a decisive home victory against Delaware. “Led Liberty to its first-ever conference title in 26 seasons as a program, securing the 2026 CUSA title in his second season at Liberty,” according to Connell’s summary statement from Conference USA.
The recognition for players such as Turchetto—who clinched key singles victories—and Tsulygina—who went undefeated during championship singles matches—reflects what many observers see as growing strength within Liberty’s women’s tennis program.
