Binghamton, N.Y. — Adelphi University Athletics mourns the loss of former women's tennis student-athlete Stefani Lineva, who passed away on Saturday. Lineva was a two-year member of the Panther women's tennis team from 2014-16 before transferring to Binghamton University.

Lineva was the Northeast-10 Rookie of the Year in 2014-15 after going a combined 31-6 in singles and doubles, including a 22-1 record against conference opponents. The native of Middle Village, N.Y. earned All-Conference honors in both singles and doubles as a freshman for her efforts. In 2015-16 as a sophomore, Lineva again competed as Adelphi's top singles player and delivered the clinching point in the Panthers' first NE10 Championship over Stonehill, sending them to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of former women's tennis student-athlete Stefani Lineva," said Danny McCabe, Adelphi University Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation. "Stefani was an exceptional young woman and an important member of the women's tennis program.  She led the team to an NE10 championship with her outstanding play and her competitive spirit.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her here in the Adelphi community."

"Stefani's motto was, 'Always towards better things,' and if there ever was one person on the court and off the court that strived for that, it was Stefani," added Adelphi head coach Joanna Haich, who also played alongside Lineva in the 2014-15 season. "Words cannot explain how saddened we, her AU teammates, friends, and family are by her passing. We lost both a beautiful, funny and caring friend -- that not only the tennis community knew to be a fierce and feisty competitor -- and a person who impacted so many in the best of ways over countless years. We can only hope to cherish her memory and let it live on."

The Adelphi tennis program will be holding a memorial service on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 5 pm in Campbell Lounge in the Center for Recreation and Sport. The program will include a small vigil and releasing of balloons at the Adelphi tennis courts at 5:45 pm.