Colorado University Athletics
Tennis Spotlight: Willow Gretsch’s Encouraging Growth
April 10, 2026 | Tennis
BOULDER – Colorado junior Willow Gretsch has been a Buffalo since the beginning of her college career, and since then, Gretsch has continued to grow and find her place for CU tennis.
Although Gretsch has not been a recurring mark in the starting lineup, she excels by stepping up and becoming the epitome of what it means to be an admirable teammate.
"With any successful team, everyone must play their role, and Willow really embraces that," said head coach Anthony Pham. "She's grown a lot both on and off the court. She's shown that she has a lot of potential, and we look forward to continuing to lock that in through to her senior year."
"I think everyone helps to hold each other accountable, which really benefits me in being a good teammate," said Gretsch. "I think it's a positive environment where everyone's very honest and supportive. And because of that support, it's given me an area to grow."
Coming to Colorado as a four-star recruit by the USTA, and ranked No. 48 in the state of California, the Los Angeles native fit right into the Buffs culture.
"She brings such great energy and it's something that a college team needs," said Pham. "She really embraces that role. We really appreciate everything she does for us, and I'm glad we can continue to have that with us through another year."
As a sophomore, Gretsch secured two singles wins and two doubles wins on the season while stepping up due to a teammate's injury.
"My responsibility and effort level has changed a lot," said Gretsch. "I didn't think I could put a lot of effort out when I was younger. I thought I was giving 100%, and looking back, I was giving 60-70%. Now, I think being more responsible and knowing how much I can give, I can find a lot more success."
So far this season, the junior has notched three singles victories and two in doubles with partner Heidi Crncan. The duo captured a victory at the Bonita Bay Classic last fall, and a dual win at St. Thomas in February.
"Playing with Heidi is so fun," Gretsch said. "To get through it is to get through it together, and that's all I want to do. My struggle with tennis has always been feeling alone on the court, and in doubles you never really feel alone, which I love about it."
Gretsch has proven growth in more ways than one. Last week at the 34th Annual Student-Athlete Recognition Ceremony, she received the award for Most Improved Student Athlete, given to those who demonstrate exceptional growth over their previous academic terms.
"In terms of the classroom, she's really improved," said Pham. "That's a testament to her maturity and her growth over her three years here, and we're proud of her. That's really what we want from our student athletes - we want you to grow, mature, and develop. She's a testament to that."
"Getting control in my academic schedule has been the most important thing and staying to a schedule that works," said Gretsch. "I'm very open and honest about how much help I receive with my academics. It's helped me on the court to relax, because I play stressed when I am stressed off the court, and it's hard for me to leave that when I walk on to the court."
Finding her voice has helped Gretsch to advocate for herself and continue to be the best she can be not just for her, but for the team as well. Her journey at CU is not yet finished, as she continues to be a light for Colorado tennis heading into her senior year.
Gretsch alongside the rest of the Buffs will finish out regular season competition tomorrow at home. The match against TCU will begin at 2 p.m. (MT), followed by a senior recognition for Anya Nelson and Rixt van der Werff. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
Although Gretsch has not been a recurring mark in the starting lineup, she excels by stepping up and becoming the epitome of what it means to be an admirable teammate.
"With any successful team, everyone must play their role, and Willow really embraces that," said head coach Anthony Pham. "She's grown a lot both on and off the court. She's shown that she has a lot of potential, and we look forward to continuing to lock that in through to her senior year."
"I think everyone helps to hold each other accountable, which really benefits me in being a good teammate," said Gretsch. "I think it's a positive environment where everyone's very honest and supportive. And because of that support, it's given me an area to grow."
Coming to Colorado as a four-star recruit by the USTA, and ranked No. 48 in the state of California, the Los Angeles native fit right into the Buffs culture.
"She brings such great energy and it's something that a college team needs," said Pham. "She really embraces that role. We really appreciate everything she does for us, and I'm glad we can continue to have that with us through another year."
As a sophomore, Gretsch secured two singles wins and two doubles wins on the season while stepping up due to a teammate's injury.
"My responsibility and effort level has changed a lot," said Gretsch. "I didn't think I could put a lot of effort out when I was younger. I thought I was giving 100%, and looking back, I was giving 60-70%. Now, I think being more responsible and knowing how much I can give, I can find a lot more success."
So far this season, the junior has notched three singles victories and two in doubles with partner Heidi Crncan. The duo captured a victory at the Bonita Bay Classic last fall, and a dual win at St. Thomas in February.
"Playing with Heidi is so fun," Gretsch said. "To get through it is to get through it together, and that's all I want to do. My struggle with tennis has always been feeling alone on the court, and in doubles you never really feel alone, which I love about it."
Gretsch has proven growth in more ways than one. Last week at the 34th Annual Student-Athlete Recognition Ceremony, she received the award for Most Improved Student Athlete, given to those who demonstrate exceptional growth over their previous academic terms.
"In terms of the classroom, she's really improved," said Pham. "That's a testament to her maturity and her growth over her three years here, and we're proud of her. That's really what we want from our student athletes - we want you to grow, mature, and develop. She's a testament to that."
"Getting control in my academic schedule has been the most important thing and staying to a schedule that works," said Gretsch. "I'm very open and honest about how much help I receive with my academics. It's helped me on the court to relax, because I play stressed when I am stressed off the court, and it's hard for me to leave that when I walk on to the court."
Finding her voice has helped Gretsch to advocate for herself and continue to be the best she can be not just for her, but for the team as well. Her journey at CU is not yet finished, as she continues to be a light for Colorado tennis heading into her senior year.
Gretsch alongside the rest of the Buffs will finish out regular season competition tomorrow at home. The match against TCU will begin at 2 p.m. (MT), followed by a senior recognition for Anya Nelson and Rixt van der Werff. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
Players Mentioned
Mark Johnson sits down with Tennis Head Coach Anthony Pham to talk about the 2026 Spring Season
Friday, January 16
Women's Tennis: Senior Day | Apr 13, 2025
Sunday, April 13
@cubuffstennis vs Arizona State SENIOR DAY #gobuffs
Monday, April 15
@cubuffstennis vs Arizona #gobuffs
Saturday, April 13