Sam Baltz, Emily Redwood
Kelly Bird, Linfield Sports Communications

Women's tennis serves up 2026 season

By Joe Stuart, Broadcast Operations Coordinator

Progress is the name of the game for Linfield women’s tennis as a reinforced roster takes the court in the second season of eighth-year head coach Phil Whitehead’s second stint running the program.

Kaitlynn Canubida
Lilianna Cano
Kaitlynn Canubida
Elise Reese
Phil Whitehead
Sam Baltz, Emily Redwood
Phil Whitehead
Emily Redwood
Happy Cats
Sundi King

A disappointing 2025 saw a short-handed Wildcat squad face a multitude of adversities, but four newcomers have joined six returning players, fueling hope for improvement.

“I am very excited about the steps we have made going into this spring,” said Whitehead about the upcoming campaign. “Our returning players have shown so much growth, and our newcomers have been a big surprise so far.”
Head Coach Phil Whitehead
2025-26 Roster
2024-25 Results
Kaitlynn Canubida
Junior Kaitlynn Canubida

Junior Kaitlynn Canubida will be at the top of Linfield‘s ladder after an impressive 2025 capped with all-conference honors, leading the team with eight singles wins and four in doubles.

“Kaitlynn is entrenched in our top position...she worked hard over the summer to take her game to the next level and prepare to lead this team. There are some very good players at the No. 1 position in this conference, but I truly believe she’s going to surprise some people with her will and determination to win.”
Head Coach Phil Whitehead

Fellow junior Emily Redwood will try and build on strong fall tournament performances after facing injuries last year, and improvement should be expected from sophomore Sundi King as well.

Emily Redwood
Junior Emily Redwood
“We’ve seen flashes of the type of player Emily can be. We’ll continue to put in the physical training necessary for her to be at her best and back on the court consistently."
Head Coach Phil Whitehead
Sam Baltz
Junior Samantha Baltz

The Wildcats return more upper-class leadership in junior Sam Baltz, who rejoins the roster after taking a leave of absence last season. 

“Sam’s return after having to leave school last March has been such a huge shot of adrenaline for this team. Her game not only picked up where it left off but has come back stronger and smarter than ever.”
Head Coach Phil Whitehead

Linfield’s newcomers will likely see plenty of opportunities to join the lineup, with freshmen Gianna Molony and Lyla Khlee expected to contribute right away.

“Gianna brings 6A state-tournament experience along with a strong singles game that I feel will make our lineup so much tougher. Lyla’s another hardworking young player that will add great depth to our squad. She is positioned to be a powerful addition to the back end of our lineup.”
Coach Whithead on the first-year Wildcats
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Linfield Women's Tennis Schedule

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The Wildcats start the season February 7 hosting the College of Idaho, before Northwest Conference competition begins February 14 vs. Puget Sound.

“This is a very special group of young ladies who will represent Linfield at a high level both on the court and in the classroom. We are headed in the right direction and working hard to improve to where we believe Linfield deserves to be.”
Phil Whitehead

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