A sister duo will serve as the captains for the Valparaiso University tennis team in 2020-2021.

Senior Claire Czerwonka and her sophomore sister Olivia (Kenosha, Wis. / Saint Joseph Catholic Academy) have been selected as team captains for their leadership on and off the courts.

“We are excited and thankful that we have two leaders who absolutely lead by example,” head coach Bob Modesto said. “Their work ethic is second to none and is one reason we are optimistic about our upcoming season. The fact that they are sisters is a testament to good parenting.”

Claire, the team’s No. 1 singles player, enters the season ranked ninth in program history (since 2000) in career doubles wins with 40. As a junior, she went 12-11 in singles play and 13-11 in doubles. The sisters were named the Missouri Valley Conference Doubles Team of the Week on March 10. A nursing major, Claire also thrives in the classroom and is heavily involved in community service and campus activities.

Olivia burst onto the scene as a freshman, going 13-9 in singles and 13-11 in doubles. She played No. 2 singles as a rookie and boasted a 7-5 dual-match mark. Like her sister, Olivia thrives in both the classroom and the community. She is also pursuing a nursing degree.

Valpo is entering its second season under Modesto, who guided the team to its highest winning percentage since 2006-2007 and its best season in a 13-year span during his first year as head coach.