Rademacher having strong senior season at Creighton University

Lincoln native Bianca Rademacher is wrapping up her third and final college tennis season as a Creighton University Bluejay after transferring from Wichita State University in 2022. She was recently named the Big East Singles Player of the Week.

“I was very excited about receiving this recognition, especially in my final season as a collegiate athlete,” Rademacher said. “I have dealt with many injuries in my time, and to be recognized for the level I am currently playing at is something I am very proud of.”

Though injuries have plagued Rademacher for most of her college career, she hasn’t let that stop her from pushing as hard as she can on the court and in the weight room. Tom Lilly, Creighton women’s tennis head coach, said she is a hard worker in practice, chasing down every single ball. He elaborated on her three years playing for the Bluejays.

“Her first year at CU she was 11-6 serving underhanded most of the year and dealing with injuries that needed surgery as well,” Lilly said. “She toughed it out and did what she could for the team despite never quite feeling well. She was also 14-1 in doubles that first year and helped us reach the Big East Conference championship match for the first time ever, playing mainly No. 5 that year.

“Her second year she didn’t play in the fall after undergoing surgery. She came on strong in the spring, going 9-1 in singles and 6-5 in doubles. This year she is playing the No. 1 spot and is 15-4 in singles and 14-5 in doubles (as of March 25).”

Rademacher is pursuing a master’s degree in public health and hopes to eventually earn a PhD in health promotion and disease prevention. As she savors her final days as a Creighton Bluejay, she reflected on her past successes. That includes being part of the team to reach the finals of the Big East tournament for the first time in program history as well as being on the first-ranked doubles team.

“However, what I will remember most from my time at Creighton are the people I have encountered,” Rademacher said. “I have come to learn so much about myself, my values and what lengths I can reach, which is all due to the time and effort that these individuals have given to me.”

Added Lilly: “Without Bianca joining us three years ago, I do not believe we would have reached the finals of the Big East Conference. She brought a great level of effort and winning. I knew she could do great things here at Creighton on the court and in the classroom.”

Rademacher is a graduate of Lincoln East High School, and she led the Spartans to a Nebraska Class A team championship and captured the Class A singles crown with a 33-0 record her junior year. Rademacher was an all-state selection three times and produced a 93-6 career record at Lincoln East.