Rhea Makesar Makes History as UTRGV Women’s Tennis Turns Heads at ITA Regional

Rhea Makesar is making some noise for UTRGV women’s tennis.

The senior put together an impressive run at the ITA Texas Regional in Waco, becoming the first Vaquero since 2018 to reach the singles main-draw Round of 32.

And she had to earn every bit of it.

After winning twice in qualifying, Makesar faced Tarleton’s Anna Huisgen in the main draw. She dropped the opening set before battling back for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 victory.

Three singles wins, a comeback under pressure, and a program milestone. That’s a pretty good tournament.

Her run eventually ended against SMU’s ninth-seeded Elena Mireles, but the performance was another encouraging sign for UTRGV.

And Makesar wasn’t the only Vaquero turning heads.

Junior Juana Gomez Weiss picked up two straight-set qualifying victories, helping UTRGV place four players in the singles main draw for the first time since 2019.

Sophomore Mariangel Estrella earned direct entry, while senior Hitakamya Narwal joined the field as a lucky loser.

Four players in the main draw. One reaching the Round of 32. That’s progress worth recognizing.

Now the Vaqueros turn their attention to the Southland Conference Fall Championships, October 22–25.

There’s still plenty of tennis ahead, but Makesar has already given UTRGV a performance worth remembering.

Diamond DITV Final Word

We don’t need to make championship predictions or get ahead of ourselves.

When a player accomplishes something the program hasn’t done in eight years, that deserves its own spotlight.

Rhea Makesar earned hers.