After Sylwia Mikos chose to attend University of Chicago for academics and tennis, it was not a surprise that her younger sister Oliwia would follow in her footsteps. What neither of them expected was that they would end up being doubles partners.
“I started my recruiting process during the early parts of COVID. The lone school I visited was Chicago, but I was confident that it was a good place for me. I developed a good relationship with (Maroon’s head women’s tennis coach) Jay (Tee) and it was an extremely prestigious school that was close to home (Willowbrook),” Sylwia described. “It was the best decision I could make. I appreciate how much we train and the high expectations Jay has for us as individuals and as a program. I love that at Chicago or any UAA school, the emphasis is on academics and that the focus is on the student part of student-athlete.”
“The most important aspect to choosing a school was the balance between school and tennis. I got to see first-hand with Sylwia how much she liked the team and school, and how going to Chicago would help her in her career,” Oliwia explained. “It was nice to have seen Sylwia’s experience for two years and to get her advice about navigating college and classes.”
When Sylwia’s doubles partner Shianna Guo went to study abroad and Oliwia’s doubles partner, graduate student Rena Lin, graduated, the sisters began teaming up. “We hadn’t played doubles together much growing up as singles play was prioritized in juniors. Jay decided to put us together and we are grateful. As sisters we have a strong bond and understand each other’s game. We get along and found it easy to be partners. We enjoy playing together even with a little bickering that sisters do,” Sylwia laughed.
“In doubles, you need to have a trusting relationship with your partner. We already had that as sisters, so it was an easy transition playing together. We are careful not to get caught up in being too serious. We like having fun on the court and will start laughing over a crazy shot or maybe a shot that didn’t work out so well,” Oliwia added.
After Chicago fell in the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Championship title match in Sylwia’s first two seasons, the Maroons broke through and won the NCAA title in Oliwia’s first year after posting a remarkable comeback win in the semifinals. “Knowing my sister was alongside me made it so much more special. It was great to celebrate with teammates and friends, but Oliwia has seen both my and the team’s entire journey and progression,” Sylwia communicated. “We overcame the mental block and showed that hurdles can be overcome. It all came to fruition when we won the championship. We were the first women’s team to win a national championship at Chicago and we knew we could do it. We just had to finish that last mile.”
“I wasn’t playing singles in the final, so I got to cheer everyone on from the sideline. It was so fulfilling that Sylwia was the one who clinched it. She has poured so much into the team and the school. We were so loud in the semifinals and final and that energy still carries us today,” Oliwia said. “Coming in as a first year, most of what we thought about was winning the NCAA title. I got to see it from Sylwia’s viewpoint and knew the team had that longing already. We had the confidence and strong team dynamic that pushed us over the top.”
With her time at UChicago nearing an end, Sylwia is thankful for her time on and off the court. “I feel like I’ve done my time athletically and academically and I have met amazing people. I am looking forward to going into the real world and creating great memories just as I have done here. Before I came to Chicago, I had only left the country once or twice. By the end of this summer, I will have traveled to 20 countries and been able to do things and go places I never imagined I would do in my lifetime,” she remarked. “The school presented me with networking and relationships that I will hold near and dear for the rest of my life. I want to give back to the school and the world in general.”
Meanwhile Oliwia is surprised by how fast her first two years have gone. “I can’t believe I will be a junior in the fall. Time has flown by as I am almost halfway done with my college career already. For my last two years at UChicago, I want to just be present in all I do,” she expressed. “Between academics, tennis, and recruiting for internships, I have had very little time to hang out with friends and do things outside of school. I am excited to see what tennis brings. The team dynamic has been set in stone. We care for and support each other.”
Both sisters treasure the memories they have already made and are looking forward to their final months as teammates. “Playing sports is an extreme privilege and not everyone gets that opportunity. It is already so amazing and getting to play with my sister makes it more incredible,” Sylwia summarized.