Nancy Liu (‘27) is making a name for herself on the national stage as the No. 7 ranked singles player in NCAA Division II women’s tennis, according to the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings.
Now in her second season with the Tars, Liu is a key contributor to the program’s success. A double major in international business and economics, she trains daily with a demanding schedule that includes early morning practices, afternoon court sessions, and fitness workouts twice a week. Her time at IMG Academy prepared her for the rapid pace, and her drive has only intensified since arriving at Rollins.
“I treat every match with focus,” Liu said. “No matter the rankings, every school’s number one player is tough, so I have to bring my best every time.”
One of Liu’s most memorable performances this season came in a win over the nation’s top DII singles player from Lynn University—a former pro who once competed in junior Grand Slams.
Although Liu is proud of her current ranking, she has her sights set higher, aiming to break into the top five during her collegiate career. She credits her steady climb to consistent preparation, mental focus, and a strong support system.
Head Coach Tasi Purcell Batista (‘07), currently in her first season leading the Tars, commended Liu’s growth and work ethic.
“It is actually quite challenging to put into words how proud I am of Nancy,” Batista said. “She was one of my first recruits when I took over the program, and the improvement she has made in such a short amount of time, from her freshman to sophomore year, has been incredible. She works hard and is so kind.”
As a team, Rollins women’s tennis is striving for a top three finish in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) this season, with long-term goals of competing for a national championship. Batista said that the Tars are also aiming to finish in the top 20 nationally—a milestone the program has not reached in several years.
“The team’s overall performance this season has been very consistent,” Batista said. “The team has been working hard in all aspects of the tennis game—on-court, mentally, and team culture specifically. We are continuing to stay process-based and finish the 2024-2025 season strong.”
Liu attributes much of her individual success to her coach’s mentorship and commitment.
“I feel like I have the best coach ever,” Liu said. “If I want to work hard, she’ll match the energy. She’s supportive, gives me good opportunities, and helps me achieve my goals.”
Liu chose Rollins for its competitive tennis environment, strong academic offerings, and the positive culture created by the team and the coaching staff. Her continued growth and leadership have made her a leading force for the program as the Tars have pursued both individual and team success this season.
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