UWF Athletics Hall of Fame
Monika Kochanova
Women's Tennis, 2013-2015
Bratislava, Slovakia
2-time ITA All-America Singles Team
2-time ITA All-America Doubles Team
2015 ITA Scholar Athlete
2015 ADA Academic Achievement Award
2014 ITA South Region Senior Player of the Year
2-time GSC Player of the Year
3-time All-GSC First Team
Monika Kochanova was a part of UWF’s women tennis program from 2013-2015. She was a three-year All-GSC First team member while grabbing Conference Player of the Year in 2013 and 2014. She was also recognized as ITA South Region Player of the Year and named ITA All-America during her career.
Kochanova went 45-16 at No. 1 and No. 2 singles during her UWF career. She reached as high as No. 2 regionally and No. 6 nationally in the ITA polls.
She stays involved in tennis by participating in pro-am tournaments. Currently, she is one of four Global Digital Communication Leads at a German pharmaceutical company.
Recently, Kochanova got engaged and had her first daughter Klara in August of 2024.
UWF Athletics Hall of Fame Questionnaire
1. What was your most memorable moment in UWF athletics?
One of the most memorable competitions we were at were the Nationals in Arizona. We had some fantastic matches, the venue was beautiful, the atmosphere and the level of support was just incredible.
2. Being a former student-athlete, how has it helped you in your life after college?
I think overall just being tough and up to challenges. As student-athletes we were used to handle a lot. Practices, competitions, traveling and at the same time we had to perform well in our classes. I today do not get threatened by any tougher situation I may face at work. Many of my colleagues have shared with me, that they haven’t met anyone who would act so swiftly, calmly and competently to handle fraught situations.
“I would like to thank coach Derrick for the opportunity to have me represent the UWF Women’s Tennis team and the whole athletic department for the support in my both academic and athletic endeavors,” said Kochanova. “This chapter of my life has been immensely fulfilling. The experiences I've had and the incredible people I've met have profoundly influenced my character. Being part of an international team has expanded my horizons in remarkable ways, and I am truly grateful, as I would not be the person I am today without these invaluable experiences.”
“I would very much like to be there with everyone today to celebrate this special occasion, however the travels are just too long now to handle with such small child. We are looking forward for the visit as a family once Klara is old enough to handle the long travels.”
