University of Minnesota Duluth senior Carly Chaney was named a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Preseason Women's Tennis Player to Watch league officials announced Thursday. The honor comes just two days ahead of the Bulldogs' 2026 season-opening doubleheader vs. Bemidji State and St. Scholastica Saturday at the Duluth Indoor Sports Center (DISC).
 
"Carly Chaney is the definition of a leader and a competitor," head coach Jessica Worden said. "As a senior captain, the growth in her game over the past three seasons has been exponential—not just in her strokes, but in her mindset, confidence and determination. She brings a level of intensity and composure that elevates everyone around her. We're excited to watch Carly lead this team this season, both on the court with her play, and off the court."
 
The Nisswa, Minn., native finished the 2025 season with four wins at No. 2 singles and a .500 record at No. 3 doubles with partner Olivia Honsey. She is a two-time member of the NSIC All-Academic Team and earned Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Scholar-Athlete recognition. In her rookie campaign, she set a program-record with eight-consecutive set wins during the month of February and won 11-straight matches during the same timeframe.
 
Chaney is set to lead a squad of seven returning letterwinners, a redshirt freshman and three rookies in 2026, which is a group Worden believes will add depth and competitiveness to UMD's lineup.
 
The Bulldogs' doubleheader Saturday is set to get underway at 1:30 p.m. against the Beavers, with its second match slated for 5:30 p.m. against the Saints. UMD will also host home events this season against Bemidji State once again on Feb. 13 and St. Cloud State on Feb. 15.