Brianna Shvets: Contagious Team Energy

By Morgan Pruchniewski, Duke Athletics Communications Student Assistant

Since Brianna Shvets has transferred to the Blue Devils, she’s had an immediate impact on the court. The Princeton graduate cheers can be heard throughout Ambler Tennis Stadium, but her team spirit started long before she arrived in Durham.

Shvets, a product of Pennington, N.J., grew up right near Princeton University, where she was introduced to the energy of tennis from the young age of 10.

“I had the luxury of having a college campus in my backyard. I was able to watch numerous college matches before I even knew where I was going to play, and it instantly became my dream,” said Shvets. “I became addicted to this loud energy that was always buzzing from the crowd and the players. I realized early on the positive impact of showing up and supporting your community.”



Shvets turned in a solid collegiate career at Princeton where she posted a 66-30 singles and 54-30 doubles ledger.  As a sophomore, she reached No. 17 nationally in singles.  Shvets went on to receive a degree in public policy and international affairs in May of 2022 from Princeton.  

She’s carried on that energy into her own tennis career as a player. Shvets’ celebrates every point and brings that spirit onto the court, which is recognized by teammates and Duke fans alike.

“Bri’s energy, it never wavers. I think that’s definitely unique, because a lot of people – sometimes they’ll show up and have like 100% energy, but literally every time she stops on the court, she is loud and she’s feisty,” said teammate senior Chloe Beck. “I always have confidence that she’s going to end up winning her match just because I probably hear her more than anyone out there on our team or on another team just because she’s that focused and into the match.”

Head coach Jamie Ashworth has also been in awe of Shvets’ spirit.

“It’s an interesting dynamic, because college tennis feeds off of energy,” said Ashworth. “She’s extremely vocal.  She lets people know that she’s there and she has a presence because of that energy, which is so important to have in college matches. I think it’s out of her shell a little bit, but she knows that’s what she needs to bring to be successful. I think other girls feed off of it.  Other girls realize that she’s being vocal and other girls love having her…