The women's tennis team is among the most successful sports programs in the history of Knox. Prairie Fire players are regularly ranked in the Midwest Region of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association and consistently battle at the top of the conference standings.

Prairie Fire tennis emphasizes total player development. You'll work on strokes and game strategy, but there's a crucial third element you'll work on: sustaining what's commonly known as "mental toughness"—the ability to maintain your focus and your concentration for an entire match.

Knox also boasts a larger team than most schools its size, which offers more opportunities for competition. The team size also helps foster strong chemistry and a positive team environment, something many members recall years after graduation.

The Prairie Fire have had numerous players named to the Academic All-Midwest Conference Team, keeping with the Knox tradition of combining athletics with academic excellence.

The Prairie Fire play on the Merdian Tennis Courts, which were completely resurfaced in 2005. The quality of courts, combined with the on-campus location, make it one of the finest tennis facilities in the Midwest Conference. In addition, players can use the indoor courts in the T. Fleming Fieldhouse to practice during the winter and in inclement weather.

Prairie Fire tennis players have gone on to a wide variety of successful careers. Annette Mandel '75 (English) is the mayor of Crever Couer, Missouri. Jessica Laffey '75 (Psychology) is a teaching professional at the Aurora Tennis Club. Marcia Cornett '78 (Economics and Business Administration) is a professor and associate dean at Southern Illinois University. Medha Deoras-Sutliff '88 (Biology) is an epidemiologist for the Ohio Department of Health.

For more information, submit the Recruit Me form or e-mail abarkema@knox.edu.