Four standout players from CSUN Women’s Tennis—Angela Ho, Emma Moratalla Sanz, Madison Shepperson, and Yuliia Zhytelna—were celebrated for their academic and athletic prowess by being named to the 2024 Academic All-District Team. The College Sports Communicators (CSC) honors student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50 and participate in at least 70% of their team's games. Angela Ho, originally from San Francisco, excels not only in tennis but also in her computer science studies. Her teammate, Emma Moratalla Sanz from Valencia, Spain, contributes significantly both on the court and through her business analytics coursework. Meanwhile, Madison Shepperson, hailing from Mira Loma, California, and Yuliia Zhytelna, from Kiev, Ukraine, have demonstrated remarkable performance in doubles matches while pursuing psychology and dual majors respectively.
The four athletes are advancing to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot, with selections for first-, second-, and third-team Academic All-America® honors expected to be announced in April across various divisions. Their achievements reflect a blend of dedication to academics and athletic excellence that sets them apart as role models within their university and beyond.
Pioneering Players: Balancing Academics and Athletics
These four tennis stars represent a perfect balance between rigorous academic pursuits and competitive sportsmanship. Angela Ho, majoring in Computer Science, has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills on the court, earning recognition in singles play and maintaining an impressive record in doubles partnerships. Emma Moratalla Sanz, specializing in Business Analytics, complements her academic success with stellar performances in singles and doubles competitions. Both athletes have completed three seasons with the Matadors and continue to make significant contributions to the team.
Ho, with roots in San Francisco, boasts a commendable singles record and notable doubles achievements alongside teammates like Zhytelna and Santibanez Luna. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she was honored with an All-Big West Honorable Mention. Similarly, Moratalla Sanz, hailing from Valencia, Spain, shines brightly in doubles play with partner Elena Goodman, achieving an 8-6 record. Their commitment to excellence is evident not only in their athletic endeavors but also in their respective fields of study, setting high standards for future generations of student-athletes.
Emerging Leaders: Contributions Beyond the Game
Madison Shepperson and Yuliia Zhytelna exemplify leadership qualities that extend beyond the court into their academic lives. As a redshirt freshman, Shepperson quickly made her mark in doubles play, earning Big West honorable mention honors. Partnered with Zhytelna, they achieved a remarkable 10-2 doubles record, starting the season with nine consecutive wins. Zhytelna, a senior double-majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Urban Studies and Planning, adds depth to the team through her diverse interests and experiences.
Zhytelna, originating from Kiev, Ukraine, has been recognized twice for her academic achievements, including previous honors such as ITA Scholar-Athlete and Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship awards. Her singles performance, particularly at No. 1 position, underscores her versatility and resilience. Together, Shepperson and Zhytelna form a formidable duo both on and off the court, inspiring others with their determination and academic rigor. Their journey exemplifies how student-athletes can achieve greatness by balancing demanding schedules and excelling in multiple domains.
