Colorado University Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: Heidi Crncan Begins with a Win
February 17, 2026 | Tennis
BOULDER – Colorado Freshman Heidi Crncan started off her dual career as a Buffalo with a win this Sunday, and now with nerves passed, she is ready to represent the Black and Gold.
"It was incredible playing my first dual as a Buff," Crncan said. "I'm really happy that my coaches gave me this opportunity and I'm so glad I was able to show what I can do, I couldn't have asked for a better start."
Crncan now holds a 9-5 singles record as a Buff. Hailing from Wolverhampton, England, the freshman is adapting quickly and efficiently to the Colorado soil.
"For me, the initial move to America was definitely scary but exciting," the freshman said. "The team and coaches made the transition so much easier and enjoyable. So far, they have been some of the best months of my life, and I've bonded extremely well with a lot of people here. It's so nice having a team to train with and compete with every day, it makes the tough days easier."
"Heidi is great kid who has improved a ton in short time here at Colorado," head coach Anthony Pham said. "She is an extremely hard worker and someone who always has a smile on her face."
Crncan's first matches as Buff came at the Bedford Cup, going 2-2 at the tournament, even making it to the consolation finals. The following week, she had three-straight singles victories at the ITA Regional Championship.
In her time at CU, she has found comfort and family through her teammates, as well as her freshmen counterparts.
"The whole team has really helped us freshman whenever we need anything," said Crncan, "me, Lani [Brotman] and Yukiko [Ikedo] get on well and I feel that we have integrated into the team well. The seniors are always looking out for us, and always pushing us to be the best version of ourselves both on and off the court."
Crncan has also found some doubles success as well. With Lani Brotman, the pair found a victory in fall competition at the Pioneer Dual. Alongside Willow Gretsch, the duo picked up a win at the Bonita Bay Classic, as well as a win Sunday at the No. 3 spot against St. Thomas.
"I am really excited going into the spring season because we have trained really hard as a team, and we are constantly supporting each other," said Crncan. "I'm proud to be a part of this team, and going into each competition, I think the aim is to always give our best and represent CU as best as possible. I have a lot of faith in this team, and I know that we can achieve huge things if we continue to show what we can do on the court week in week out."
"She loves being a Buff and is appreciative of everything this great institution offers our student-athletes," Pham said. "She is just scratching the surface of what she is capable of and we have high expectations for her four years here at Colorado!"
Crncan, along with the rest of the Buffs, will travel for another three-match weekend, starting on Friday in Las Vegas. The Buffs will face UNLV, followed by Gonzaga and Utah Tech on Saturday. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
"It was incredible playing my first dual as a Buff," Crncan said. "I'm really happy that my coaches gave me this opportunity and I'm so glad I was able to show what I can do, I couldn't have asked for a better start."
Crncan now holds a 9-5 singles record as a Buff. Hailing from Wolverhampton, England, the freshman is adapting quickly and efficiently to the Colorado soil.
"For me, the initial move to America was definitely scary but exciting," the freshman said. "The team and coaches made the transition so much easier and enjoyable. So far, they have been some of the best months of my life, and I've bonded extremely well with a lot of people here. It's so nice having a team to train with and compete with every day, it makes the tough days easier."
"Heidi is great kid who has improved a ton in short time here at Colorado," head coach Anthony Pham said. "She is an extremely hard worker and someone who always has a smile on her face."
Crncan's first matches as Buff came at the Bedford Cup, going 2-2 at the tournament, even making it to the consolation finals. The following week, she had three-straight singles victories at the ITA Regional Championship.
In her time at CU, she has found comfort and family through her teammates, as well as her freshmen counterparts.
"The whole team has really helped us freshman whenever we need anything," said Crncan, "me, Lani [Brotman] and Yukiko [Ikedo] get on well and I feel that we have integrated into the team well. The seniors are always looking out for us, and always pushing us to be the best version of ourselves both on and off the court."
Crncan has also found some doubles success as well. With Lani Brotman, the pair found a victory in fall competition at the Pioneer Dual. Alongside Willow Gretsch, the duo picked up a win at the Bonita Bay Classic, as well as a win Sunday at the No. 3 spot against St. Thomas.
"I am really excited going into the spring season because we have trained really hard as a team, and we are constantly supporting each other," said Crncan. "I'm proud to be a part of this team, and going into each competition, I think the aim is to always give our best and represent CU as best as possible. I have a lot of faith in this team, and I know that we can achieve huge things if we continue to show what we can do on the court week in week out."
"She loves being a Buff and is appreciative of everything this great institution offers our student-athletes," Pham said. "She is just scratching the surface of what she is capable of and we have high expectations for her four years here at Colorado!"
Crncan, along with the rest of the Buffs, will travel for another three-match weekend, starting on Friday in Las Vegas. The Buffs will face UNLV, followed by Gonzaga and Utah Tech on Saturday. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
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