Alana Boyce displays talent against UNCW, ECU for No. 4 UNC women's tennis

Alana Boyce is known for her powerful serve.

The 5-foot-11 first-year is able to utilize her frame to put herself and her teammates in offensive positions on the court. 

“She’s got a huge serve, really strong, and she’s imposing with her height," associate head coach Tyler Thomson said.

Against both ECU and UNCW on Thursday, Boyce helped the No. 4 UNC women's tennis team sweep both squads 7-0 without dropping a set.

And while doubles isn’t her strong suit, Boyce played a key role in clinching the doubles point against UNCW with senior partner Lindsay Zink. Boyce’s ability to be pushed out of her comfort zone and learn under tougher conditions has proven to be a key part of her development in her short time so far at North Carolina.

In high school, Boyce was ranked as one of the best players in the Southern Region. The Huntsville, Ala. native was named Alabama Player of the Year in 2022.

Even with the ranking and state player of the year title, her journey to North Carolina wasn't straightforward. Initially, Boyce committed to play for Auburn University.

But UNC had always been her dream school.

"I ended up back here [in Chapel Hill] and the chances of that [are] really rare,” Boyce said. “It worked out for a reason and I’m really happy to be here.”

Boyce enrolled at North Carolina in the fall and started adjusting to how head coach Brian Kalbas runs his tennis team. Boyce said that coming into the fall season, she had a lot to work on.

A powerful serve is only part of her game. Boyce can strike groundstrokes from the baseline with authority, but the finesse required for precision volleys is an aspect she continues to refine through practice.

“She's incredibly eager to get better, she’s a very good student," Thomson said. "She’s unafraid of putting in the work.”

Thomson said that in-practice repetitions and occasional games of “mini tennis” have been beneficial for Boyce.

A key part in Boyce’s growth is the open line of communication she has with Kalbas. During Boyce's doubles match against UNCW, Kalbas walked onto the court and demonstrated proper footwork and volley mechanics to offer guidance.

“I like it when he’s a little bit tougher on me,” Boyce said. “I told him at the beginning of the year to make sure that if he has something, he can say it.”

Boyce benefits from being surrounded by good teammates. The transitions from level to level can be easier when upperclassmen as decorated as junior Reese Brantmeier and senior Carson Tanguilig provide leadership and guidance. Opportunities for the young star to improve are always present.

“I see in the immediate future more growth in her singles,” Thomson said. “She’s got a very kind of bruising style in singles that when she learns how to use her tools, she can be a pretty dominant offensive player.” 

Boyce's growth will be key for a young North Carolina squad that is looking to make a run this season. 

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