Emporia State director of tennis John Blackburn is set up for a busy 2026. Following the departure of women’s head coach CyCy Peyroche this summer, Blackburn will step up to coach the men’s and women’s team this season. He said he’s excited about the opportunity.
While he isn’t an unfamiliar face to the Lady Hornets, he’s still taken steps to build a new relationship with the players as their head coach.
E-State went 9-11 last year with a 3-6 record in MIAA play. The Lady Hornets have experience back in the form of Giovanna Ferreira and Carla Paul Piquer who were First Team All-MIAA at #1 doubles a year ago. Ferreira was also an honorable mention in singles. Meanwhile the men are looking to bounce back after what they saw as an 8-9 letdown season a year ago. The Hornets went 2-3 in the MIAA/GAC. Blackburn says the Hornets have some experience that should allow them to do just that.
Gwendal Mazuay returns as a graduate student for the Hornets. ESU will be looking to replace Second Team All-MIAA/GAC singles player Anton Sarunic and Diego Calvo who received an honorable mention last season. The Lady Hornets start the season Friday, September 12 at the Washburn Invite. The Hornet men’s schedule is not yet available.
