SAN FRANCISCO - At the beginning of her college career, senior Emily Maxfield didn't know what to expect as she stepped on campus as a member of the University of San Francisco women's tennis team. All has changed however since her first moments on the Hilltop.

"Starting my senior season and the fall so well, I think I just know better now," Maxfield said. "I've been able to incorporate all my skills from over the years. And Peter [Bartlett] is such a great coach. He knows me so well — knows how to work with me when I am on the court and what I need."

With everything coming together in her final year as a Don, Maxfield topped her fall season as a ranked player in the ITA rankings. Coming in at No. 71, Maxfield found herself ranked amongst the best in the country and the Dons had their first player in the rankings since Andrea Ka in 2016.

When Maxfield first heard the news, she said she felt a little disbelief. After her initial thoughts, Maxfield began to get excited, but she still finds herself in shock about the rankings. 

"I didn't think I was worthy enough or good enough to be ranked," Maxfield said. "I've been on the team for three years and after all that hard work, I'm finally seeing it on paper. It's so exciting and so worth it. It makes me want to keep going and live up to that ranking."

With Maxfield in the rankings, it was a big deal for head coach Peter Bartlett and the Dons to see that they are a significant force this season.

"These past few years, we haven't been able to get to that point," Bartlett said. "Now, it's all about expanding our goals. Our team is at a different level from a motivation standpoint. We now have people on the team thinking 'if [Emily] can do it, then I can do it,' and that's what we want to encourage to get the train started.

Going into her final spring season as a Don, Maxfield feels getting ranked has lit a fire in her and has let her know that all her hard work over the years has been paying off, and she is right on track.

"I think it also shows everyone else we are all getting there; we just have to keep going," Maxfield said. "As a team, it's going to help us go into the spring with so much more confidence."

The Dons will be back in action on January 18 as they compete in their first dual matchup of the season against UC Santa Barbara. Follow the Dons on twitter and instagram @usfdonswtennis for more updates.