Colorado University Athletics
Tennis Spotlight: Rixt van der Werff Reflects on Her Time as a Buff
April 08, 2026 | Tennis
BOULDER – Tennis senior Rixt van der Werff transferred to Colorado as a junior in 2024, and now as a senior, van der Werff reflects on what the last two years meant to her.
The senior joined the Black and Gold as a top 20 player from the Netherlands, her home base, where she won multiple International Tennis Federation titles and became a U16 Dutch Doubles Champion.
Coming to Colorado, Van der Werff expanded her talents as she proved to be a valuable player for CU, despite dealing with multiple injuries throughout the season.
"My first year was tough since I was coping with a lot of injuries," Van der Werff said. "But I had such a great team around me. They were always there for me, and always helping me and listening. I cannot express how grateful I am for the girls and the coaches. They kept so much trust in me after I had to get back from my surgery, and I will never forget that."
After seven months of injury and recovery, Van der Werff wasted no time stepping back onto the court. The senior captured a win in her first match back at the Bedford Cup last September, then continued into the consolation semifinals of the tournament.
Following fall competition, Van der Werff began her dual competition earlier this year with a four-match win streak, and currently holds an 8-6 dual record standing strong at the No. 2 spot for the Buffs.
"In the past years, on the court I improved a lot because we are playing so many matches and so many different players," said van der Werff. "We are dealing a lot of adversity, and I think that makes you stronger as a player. I'm grateful to extend my experience in this sport in every way."
Although van der Werff joined as a transfer, the Groningen, Netherlands native has proven to be an exemplary leader both on and off the court for Colorado.
"Two years with Rixt has gone quickly," said head coach Anthony Pham, "From day one she's made such an impact on our program. She fits in so well with the team, and she's really embraced our culture. She's always in such a great mood and gets along well with everyone."
"Off the court, I grew a lot in different ways," Van der Werff stated. "Learning new cultures, having a second home, dealing with a lot of time management and adversity, but I'm so lucky I get to do what I am doing. Anthony always told us that we are in the one percent of the world that is chosen to do this, and to be beyond grateful for that."
In her time at Colorado, Van der Werff has notched 19 singles victories and 25 doubles victories. 20 of those doubles victories came alongside partner Lera Alexin, a duo that has made their name in the CU history books.
"I truly don't have the words to express how grateful I am for Lera and for the chance to stand beside her on the court," said Van der Werff. "She made me a better tennis player and we found a lot of success in doubles, because we trust each other and we share so many laughs together, both on and off the court. We've also gone through the tough moments and even tears, and I think that's what makes us so strong, because we go through everything together."
"Rixt and Lera solidified themselves as a strong doubles team. They work hard together on the court and communicate well, and the results really show that," said Pham.
With Alexin, the duo has marked a 20-8 record, making their way into the history book in numerous ways. As a pair, Alexin and Van der Werff have the fourth most doubles pair wins in a season (20) and 6th in the highest season win streak (12-straight). Alone, Van der Werff is tied with the eighth most doubles season wins (21), and 38th in doubles win percentage (.677).
"Being a Tennis Buff is something that I will forever be grateful for," said Van der Werff. "It's a chance in life to be part of a great community, school, and team. It is something that forever will stay in my blood. And it creates a feeling of having a family on the other side of the world, playing for such a great school with so many great people, academically and athletically, is just amazing and I feel very loved by everyone."
Van der Werff will represent the Buffs on the court one last time, alongside her teammates this weekend at home, facing Baylor and TCU. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
The senior joined the Black and Gold as a top 20 player from the Netherlands, her home base, where she won multiple International Tennis Federation titles and became a U16 Dutch Doubles Champion.
Coming to Colorado, Van der Werff expanded her talents as she proved to be a valuable player for CU, despite dealing with multiple injuries throughout the season.
"My first year was tough since I was coping with a lot of injuries," Van der Werff said. "But I had such a great team around me. They were always there for me, and always helping me and listening. I cannot express how grateful I am for the girls and the coaches. They kept so much trust in me after I had to get back from my surgery, and I will never forget that."
After seven months of injury and recovery, Van der Werff wasted no time stepping back onto the court. The senior captured a win in her first match back at the Bedford Cup last September, then continued into the consolation semifinals of the tournament.
Following fall competition, Van der Werff began her dual competition earlier this year with a four-match win streak, and currently holds an 8-6 dual record standing strong at the No. 2 spot for the Buffs.
"In the past years, on the court I improved a lot because we are playing so many matches and so many different players," said van der Werff. "We are dealing a lot of adversity, and I think that makes you stronger as a player. I'm grateful to extend my experience in this sport in every way."
Although van der Werff joined as a transfer, the Groningen, Netherlands native has proven to be an exemplary leader both on and off the court for Colorado.
"Two years with Rixt has gone quickly," said head coach Anthony Pham, "From day one she's made such an impact on our program. She fits in so well with the team, and she's really embraced our culture. She's always in such a great mood and gets along well with everyone."
"Off the court, I grew a lot in different ways," Van der Werff stated. "Learning new cultures, having a second home, dealing with a lot of time management and adversity, but I'm so lucky I get to do what I am doing. Anthony always told us that we are in the one percent of the world that is chosen to do this, and to be beyond grateful for that."
In her time at Colorado, Van der Werff has notched 19 singles victories and 25 doubles victories. 20 of those doubles victories came alongside partner Lera Alexin, a duo that has made their name in the CU history books.
"I truly don't have the words to express how grateful I am for Lera and for the chance to stand beside her on the court," said Van der Werff. "She made me a better tennis player and we found a lot of success in doubles, because we trust each other and we share so many laughs together, both on and off the court. We've also gone through the tough moments and even tears, and I think that's what makes us so strong, because we go through everything together."
"Rixt and Lera solidified themselves as a strong doubles team. They work hard together on the court and communicate well, and the results really show that," said Pham.
With Alexin, the duo has marked a 20-8 record, making their way into the history book in numerous ways. As a pair, Alexin and Van der Werff have the fourth most doubles pair wins in a season (20) and 6th in the highest season win streak (12-straight). Alone, Van der Werff is tied with the eighth most doubles season wins (21), and 38th in doubles win percentage (.677).
"Being a Tennis Buff is something that I will forever be grateful for," said Van der Werff. "It's a chance in life to be part of a great community, school, and team. It is something that forever will stay in my blood. And it creates a feeling of having a family on the other side of the world, playing for such a great school with so many great people, academically and athletically, is just amazing and I feel very loved by everyone."
Van der Werff will represent the Buffs on the court one last time, alongside her teammates this weekend at home, facing Baylor and TCU. More information and live results can be found @cubuffstennis.
Players Mentioned
/ Tennis
/ Tennis
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