Lyla Messler - 2026-27 - Women's Tennis - University of Illinois Athletics

Lyla Messler

Lyla Messler

Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Largo, Fla.
High School:
Osceola Fundamental

As a Freshman (2026-27)

Earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week after her collegiate debut at the Milwaukee Tennis Classic - the first Illini women's tennis player ever to receive the award

High School

5-star recruit by tennisrecruiting.net, reaching as high as No. 33 nationally and No. 10 in Florida for the class of 2026
2023 Class 3A Florida High school singles state champion
2024 USTA L2 Girls 16s singles champion in Coral Gables, Fla.
2024 Eddie Herr doubles champion
2025 Bobby Curtis Girls 18s singles champion

Personal

Daughter of Stephanie and Jordan Messler
Majoring in psychology at Illinois

Tuesday, April 14

Tuesday, April 14

Tuesday, April 14

Tuesday, April 14

ITA Women's All-American Championships participants

Results: ITA Women's All-American Championships

Saturday, September 19

COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 24: Tess Bucher during the quarterfinals of the 2026 Big Ten Women’s Tennis Championships at the Ty Tucker Tennis Center on April 24, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images)

ITA All-American Championships Up Next for Women's Tennis

Friday, September 18

Lyla Messler Big Ten Freshman of the Week graphic

Lyla Messler Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Wednesday, September 16

COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 23: Tess Bucher during the Big Ten Tournament Match vs. the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images)

Results: Milwaukee Tennis Classic & Furman Fall Classic

Friday, September 11