The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced on Apr. 16 its 2026 women’s tennis individual award winners, with Jackson State University securing three major honors. Stas Smirnov was named Coach of the Year, Paula Corbalan received Player of the Year, and Victoria Linkovski earned Newcomer of the Year.
These awards highlight a strong season for Jackson State’s women’s tennis team. The recognition reflects both individual excellence and collective achievement within the program.
Smirnov led Jackson State in his first year as head coach to a 12-10 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 mark in regular season conference play. The Tigers secured their third consecutive regular-season title and enter the postseason tournament as the number one seed.
Corbalan posted a perfect 5-0 record against conference opponents, with notable victories over Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Alcorn, and Bethune-Cookman. She also contributed two additional wins outside conference play. In doubles competition with Isabella Benavides, Corbalan achieved an overall record of 8-7 and a conference record of 5-1.
Linkovski transferred from Delaware State for her first season at Jackson State and finished undefeated in SWAC matches. She partnered with Helen Hernandez in doubles to compile a 9-5 overall record and went 4-2 within the conference.
Looking ahead, Jackson State will continue its campaign as it heads into postseason competition following these recognitions.
