In a stunning turn of events, North Park University’s women’s tennis program bids farewell to its transformative leader, Head Coach Karl Soderstrom, who has announced his resignation after an illustrious 11-season tenure. Soderstrom, a North Park alumnus and former player, leaves behind a legacy of unprecedented success, having steered the Vikings to their first-ever College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) championship this past fall—a milestone that has forever etched his name in the program’s history.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Soderstrom shared, “Coaching the North Park Tennis team and working with so many outstanding student-athletes and coaches has been a fantastic and meaningful experience. As a four-year player at North Park, being asked by then-Athletic Director Jack Surridge in 2013 to revive the tennis program was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. While stepping down is a tough decision, it comes from a desire to pursue new possibilities in my teaching and research career. I’m proud to leave the program in a strong position, with our recent conference championship setting the stage for future success. My deepest gratitude goes to the incredible players I’ve had the privilege to coach, and I’m excited to see the team continue to thrive.”
Under Soderstrom’s leadership, the Vikings soared to new heights. The 2024 spring season marked a historic turning point, with the team achieving a record-breaking 16 wins and a third-place finish in the CCIW standings. For the first time, North Park secured a victory in a CCIW playoff match, followed by a groundbreaking semifinal win against Wheaton College, propelling them to their inaugural appearance in the league’s tournament championship. The momentum carried into the fall, where the Vikings posted a commanding 7-1 CCIW record, clinching their first regular-season title.
Soderstrom, alongside Coach Alice Copland, built a powerhouse roster, recruiting and developing standout talent. This past season, Hanna Zethraeus and Alexandra Ristfeldt made history as the first Viking duo to earn All-CCIW First Team honors in the same season. The team capped the 2025 season with an 11-9 record, marking back-to-back winning seasons—a first for the program.
John Born, North Park’s Director of Athletics, praised Soderstrom’s impact, stating, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Coach Karl Soderstrom for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment. His dedication to mentoring student-athletes and fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and resilience has left an indelible mark. Under his guidance, the program reached unprecedented competitive heights, culminating in our first CCIW Championship. The entire department is profoundly grateful for his service and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.”
As Soderstrom steps away to chart new paths, the North Park women’s tennis team stands poised for continued success, built on the foundation of his vision and leadership. The Viking community wishes him well, knowing his influence will resonate on the courts for years to come.