Beavers Open Season 2-0, Mia Leshem Wins NSIC Player of the Week

Bemidji State women's tennis sophomore earns conference honor after strong start to 2026 season

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Bemidji State women's tennis sophomore Mia Leshem was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Week after helping the Beavers to a 2-0 start in their opening matches against St. Scholastica and Minnesota Duluth. Leshem went 2-0 in both singles and doubles play as Bemidji State swept St. Scholastica 7-0 and edged Minnesota Duluth 4-3.

Why it matters

Leshem's strong performance to open the season is an encouraging sign for the Beavers, who are looking to build on their success from last year. The NSIC Player of the Week award is a prestigious honor that recognizes Leshem's individual talent and the team's overall competitiveness in the conference.

The details

In the season-opening doubleheader, Leshem won her singles matches against St. Scholastica's Sophia Cosgrove (6-2, 6-0) and Minnesota Duluth's Carly Chaney (6-3, 6-4). She also teamed up with freshman Marla Davies to go 2-0 in No. 1 doubles play. Leshem's efforts helped Bemidji State cruise past St. Scholastica and edge out a close 4-3 victory over Minnesota Duluth.

  • Leshem was named the NSIC Player of the Week on February 4, 2026.
  • Bemidji State opened their 2026 season on February 3 with matches against St. Scholastica and Minnesota Duluth.

The players

Mia Leshem

A sophomore on the Bemidji State women's tennis team who was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player of the Week after the first week of league play.

Marla Davies

A freshman on the Bemidji State women's tennis team who teamed up with Mia Leshem to go 2-0 in No. 1 doubles play.

Bemidji State

The women's tennis team at Bemidji State University that opened their 2026 season with a 2-0 record.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Leshem and the rest of the Beaver Tennis team continue their start to the 2026 season this Friday, Feb. 6, with a pair of matches against Minnesota-Morris and Minnesota Crookston in Grand Forks, N.D. The first match of the day against Minnesota Morris is set to begin at 3 p.m.

The takeaway

Mia Leshem's strong start to the season and recognition as NSIC Player of the Week is an early highlight for the Bemidji State women's tennis team, who will look to build on this momentum as they continue their 2026 campaign.