The Cal State LA women’s Tennis team has no shortage of heart, grit, and determination. Hailing from Manchester, England is Maldini Simic. With a powerhouse of resilience and team spirit, Simic continues to set the tone for the program with her fierce competitive edge, ability to function under pressure, and deep appreciation for the teammates she calls “sisters.”
In a recent match against Point Loma Nazarene University on Tuesday, March 18, Simic delivered one of the most memorable performances of her season and fittingly, it happened on her birthday.
“Singles was probably my match of the season,” she said, her voice still buzzing from the victory.
Despite dropping the first set 6-2 to her opponent, Simic refused to fold. Instead, she dug in, strategized, and rallied with poise and purpose. The second set turned into a mental tug-of-war, but Simic’s focus sharpened in the tiebreaker, which she claimed 7-3. From there, she went on to dominate the third-set super tiebreaker 10-3, sealing the match with confidence and composure.
“It kind of left me very comfortable in the match,” she said. “No nerves in the third set. My head was just very focused.”
Her success wasn’t just personal. Despite a narrow doubles loss earlier in the day — 6-4 at the top line with her partner Sophia — Simic expressed nothing but pride in their effort. “We played an exceptional game,” she said. “To be honest, I think we were just outperformed. Those girls were just great out there.”
Even in the face of loss, Simic’s mindset reveals why she’s not just a standout athlete but a natural leader.
“I’m really proud of the team today. Those girls are like my sisters out here. They work so hard and they fight so hard, they’re so determined,” she said. “I just couldn’t be prouder of them, win or lose. They are an amazing team, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.”
For the remaining matches in the season, Simic has her sights set firmly on continuing to lead. Her goal is simple: stay focused, stay fierce, and win. This kind of mindset is driven by her grit but anchored in her gratitude.
Whether she’s facing a tiebreak on the court or boosting morale off it, Simic embodies the spirit of Cal State LA Athletics: resilient, relentless, and rooted in supporting the community. As the team heads into the final stretch of the season with their final match on Thursday, April 10 against Azusa Pacific at 1 p.m., expect Simic and the team to continue showing why she isn’t the only one to watch out for on the courts.
