Virginia Tech women’s tennis announced on May 20 that Blair Gill and Mary Sidelnyk will join the team for the 2026-27 season. Both athletes are transferring after completing their freshman year at other universities.
Gill, from Lynchburg, Virginia, attended Virginia Episcopal School before spending her first collegiate year at the University of Virginia. She compiled a 12-1 singles record and achieved a No. 62 doubles ranking by the end of the fall season during her time with Virginia. Before college, Gill was ranked as high as No. 18 in her class nationally and was recognized as the top recruit in Virginia. She also reached No. 9 in USTA rankings and was named VISAA Conference Player of the Year and State Player of the Year four times each.
Sidelnyk is from Kyiv, Ukraine, where she attended Optima Osvita before enrolling at the University of Alabama for her freshman year. She played three matches there during her first season. Sidelnyk has been ranked as Ukraine’s top junior player and has won two ITF Junior singles titles along with Ukrainian Open U16 and U14 championships. Her achievements include reaching six ITF Junior singles finals and seven doubles finals, winning two.
Head Coach Terry Ann Zawacki-Holdren said: “We are thrilled to welcome Blair Gill and Mary Sidelnyk to our program.” Zawacki-Holdren added: “Blair is not only an exceptional player but also a tremendous person. Her work ethic, competitive nature, and leadership qualities make her a great fit for our culture.”
Zawacki-Holdren continued: “Mary is an outstanding player who immediately stood out to us because of the energy she brings both on and off the court. Her toughness, drive, and willingness to compete make her an ideal addition to our program.”
The addition of these transfers is expected to strengthen Virginia Tech’s roster ahead of next season.
