Texas Women's Tennis Gears Up for Top-25 Battle Against Pepperdine

The No. 12 Texas Longhorns women’s tennis team is heading into one of its first major tests of the spring as it prepares to take on No. 21 Pepperdine. While the match won’t take place in Houston, the ranking stakes and early-season momentum make this showdown one that Longhorn fans across Texas will be watching closely.

Texas enters the matchup with confidence after a strong start to the season. The team continues to refine its lineup under head coach Howard Joffe, who has guided the program to national prominence over the past several years. Pepperdine, known for producing tough, well-coached squads, brings both experience and national-level talent—setting the stage for a compelling contest.

What to Watch

The Longhorns rely on a deep roster anchored by returning standouts and emerging newcomers. Their singles depth remains a major strength, and doubles pairings have shown steady improvement through early competition. Against Pepperdine, Texas will need sharp execution in pressure moments—something this program has excelled at in recent seasons.

Pepperdine, meanwhile, enters the match hungry for a significant early-season result. The Waves are known for their consistency at the top of the lineup, which means Texas’ ability to secure wins on the lower courts could be the deciding factor.

Why It Matters

Early-season ranked matchups like this one shape the national picture long before conference play ramps up. For Texas, a win would reinforce its top-15 ranking and build momentum for upcoming challenges. For fans in Houston and across the state, it’s another sign of the Longhorns’ continued influence in NCAA women’s tennis.

The program’s steady success also plays a role in Texas’ broader collegiate sports prestige—an ongoing point of interest as UT transitions to new competitive environments across several sports.

What’s Next

Following the Pepperdine match, Texas continues a slate packed with ranked opponents. The team aims to sharpen its play with every outing, building toward the ITA Indoor Team Championships and, ultimately, another deep postseason run.

This article is a summary of reporting by University of Texas Athletics. Read the full story here.