Kate Fakih (Photo: Cary Qian)Kate Fakih (Photo: Cary Qian)

Kate Fakih (Photo: Cary Qian)

Fakih Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Women's Tennis

Pasadena, Calif. native was on court for both clinching points of UCLA's 4-0 win against Washington.

ROSEMONT, Ill. – UCLA's Kate Fakih added to her growing list of Big Ten Conference weekly awards when she was named the league's Women's Tennis Freshman of the Week for Jan. 22-28, it was announced Wednesday.

The Bruins earned their first ITA National Team Indoor Championships berth since 2021 when they defeated Washington 4-0 at Los Angeles Tennis Center (Jan. 25). Fakih was on court for both clinching points.

The all-freshman doubles duo of Fakih and Olivia Center downed No. 115 Sophie Luescher/Erika Matsuda 6-3 on Court 2 to secure the initial point. The UCLA tandem, ranked fourth nationally, is now 16-3 overall and 11-3 against nationally-ranked foes.

In singles play, with the Bruins leading 3-0, Fakih provided the ticket-punching win. Facing off with former USC Trojan McKenna Koenig, Fakih prevailed 6-3, 6-4. Fakih has now clinched both of UCLA's victories and has a team-high 16 singles victories against five losses.

Fakih was previously named Big Ten Women's Tennis Player of the Week twice during the fall. Teammate Anne-Christine Lutkemeyer has also been tabbed Player of the Week once in the Bruins' first season as a member institution.

2025 BIG TEN WOMEN'S TENNIS FRESHMEN OF THE WEEK
Week Freshman
Jan. 15 Emily Sartz-Lunde, Michigan
Jan. 22 Patsy Daughters, Oregon
Jan. 29 Kate Fakih, UCLA