NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Wheaton College freshman Sophie Dew has been named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Women’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday. The recognition highlights a strong start to the spring season for Dew, who has quickly become a key contributor for the Thunder.
Dew, a native of Simpsonville, South Carolina, earned the honor following a 3-1 start to the spring season, demonstrating her impact in both singles and doubles play. The CCIW award recognizes her performance over the past week, solidifying her position as a rising talent in collegiate tennis. This is the first CCIW weekly honor of the 2025-26 season for women’s tennis, with Dew kicking off the list of recognized athletes. Wheaton College Athletics reported on her contributions to recent victories.
Dominating Performance Against St. Francis
On February 21st, Dew played a pivotal role in Wheaton’s 6-1 victory over St. Francis. She secured a decisive win in No. 4 singles, defeating her opponent with a score of 6-1, 6-0. Her strong performance didn’t stop there; she also teamed up with Carly O’Leary to achieve a 6-1 victory in the No. 3 doubles match. This dual success showcased Dew’s versatility and ability to excel in both individual and team settings.
A Hard-Fought Victory Over Kalamazoo
Dew’s resilience was on full display last Saturday in a challenging match against Kalamazoo. Despite dropping the first set 1-6, she battled back to secure a two-hour victory in No. 5 singles. Her final score reflected her determination: 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2). This match underscored her mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure, a quality that will undoubtedly serve her well throughout the season. Carthage Athletics also noted Dew’s win against Kalamazoo.
Wheaton’s Strong Season and Upcoming Schedule
With a current record of 10-3, the Wheaton Thunder are enjoying a successful season. Dew’s contributions have been instrumental to this success, and the team is poised for continued achievement. They are currently preparing for their annual Spring Break series, which will begin on Wednesday, March 11th, with a match against Minnesota Morris in Florida. This trip represents a significant opportunity for the Thunder to build momentum as they head into the heart of the CCIW season.
CCIW Women’s Tennis Student-Athlete of the Week Honorees
Dew joins a distinguished list of CCIW Women’s Tennis Student-Athletes of the Week. Previous honorees this academic year include:
- March 3: Sophie Dew, Wheaton
- Oct. 22: Alexandra Pugachova, North Park
- Oct. 15: Jessica Dudas, North Park
- Oct. 8: Abigail Penados, North Central
- Oct. 1: Natasa Pupovac, Carroll
- Sept. 24: Xingchen Liu, Carthage
- Sept. 17: Madeline Gentry, Wheaton
- Sept. 10: Maddy Harned, Augustana
- Sept. 3: Alexandra Pugachova, North Park
The CCIW Conference
The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) was founded in 1946 and currently comprises nine member institutions: Augustana College, Carroll University, Carthage College, Elmhurst University, Illinois Wesleyan University, Millikin University, North Central College, North Park University, and Wheaton College. The CCIW is known for its competitive athletics and commitment to academic excellence.
Dew and the Wheaton Thunder will look to continue their winning streak as they head to Florida. The match against Minnesota Morris on March 11th will be a key test for the team as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the CCIW standings. Fans can follow the CCIW on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and results throughout the season.
What do you experience of Dew’s performance so far this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow tennis enthusiasts!
