TEMPE, Ariz. – Nikoline Gullacksen of Columbus State University women's tennis was named the 2025 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II Southeast Region Most Improved Player, the national office announced on Monday.

The junior from Helsingor, Denmark produced quite the season for the Lady Cougars, etching herself into national prominence as one of the best singles players in Division II. Gullacksen finished the season ranked 10th in the country in singles play, boasting an overall record of 18-6.

Gullacksen, a First-Team All-PBC selection and 2024 ITA All-American, had an impressive fall portion of the season. She captured the ITA Southeast Regional Singles Championship and followed up with a semifinal appearance in the ITA Cup in Rome, Ga.

In doubles play, Gullacksen and Mariana Ramirez were a force to be reckoned with. The duo finished ranked fifth in DII with a 14-4 overall record and a 3-1 conference record. She paired up with Ramirez for the Doubles Championship at the ITA Southeast Regional.

Every year the ITA recognizes coaches and student-athletes for their excellence both on the court and in their communities throughout the season. The Division II regional awards include: ITA Coach of the Year, ITA Assistant Coach of the Year, Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship, ITA Rookie of the Year, ITA Most Improved Player, ITA Senior Player of the Year, ITA Player to Watch, and ITA Community Service Award.