Women's Tennis Announces Three to Class of Newcomers
Sept. 10, 2008
Coral Gables, Fla. – Miami head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews officially announced the arrival of three newcomers for the 2008-09 campaign on Wednesday morning to the women’s tennis squad at the University of Miami. The Hurricanes officially announced the arrival of freshmen Lauren Greco, Gabriela Mejia and Alessa Waibel.
Miami head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews has once again assembled an all-star cast for the 2008-09 women’s collegiate tennis season. Not only did the eighth year head coach solidify one of the country’s top singles players from last year in the form of University of Florida transfer Julia Cohen, but she has also added the signing of three freshmen with a proven background in tennis, all of which are expected to contribute nicely for the Hurricanes.
Lauren Greco, a five-star recruit on ITATennis.com, is a 5-foot-5 freshman from Oakmont, Pennsylvania, and comes to UM via Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh. She played her tennis under high school coach Courtney Vadnais, and served as the No. 1 in singles play for last year’s team that won both the WPIAL and PIAA state titles. She was ranked No. 1 in the middle states section in her junior and senior year, as well as winning numerous sectional championships throughout her career.
Greco served as Team Captain and received the Stuart Goodman Award from Shady Side Academy. During her senior season, Greco finished with a perfect 24-0 record. That followed her impressive 29-2 overall mark during her junior season. She defeated Alison Riske in the final match to help her team win the state WPIAL title during her senior year.
“Lauren will bring a great deal of discipline and maturity to an already established program,” stated Yaroshuk-Tews. “Her competitive style is definitely indicative of Miami tennis. I am looking forward to her push at making an impact on our line-up.”
Also a freshman this year is Gabriela Mejia, a native of Cali, Valle (Colombia). Mejia registered a 14-16 record for singles action in 2007-08 according to TennisCorner.com. She also had a 13-13 mark in doubles play. She is ranked 886 in the world in the latest polls.
Mejia has competed in several international tournaments, including numerous quarterfinal and semifinal showings in 2007. Amongst those showings was a semifinal appearance in Tampico (Mexico). In July of that same year, she had a semifinal showing in and event held in Bogota (Colombia). Recently, she was a participant in the Copa Colsanitas Tournament, yet another event in Bogota (Colombia), as well as a tournament in her hometown of Cali.
“Gabriela brings a world of experience with her to our program,” expressed Yaroshuk-Tews. “She has competed all over the map, and has represented her country at its highest level. Her calm demeanor and knowledge of the game will prove to be very successful at the college level.”
Alessa Waibel is the final freshman entering the roster for the 2008-09 season with the Hurricanes. She is a tall, 6-foot player coming to UM from Luzern, Switzerland. She attended Gymnasium Immensee.
In 2007, Waibel won the Luzern Junior Trophy title in Luzern (Girls 18). She also competed in Davos and Lenzerheide. In February 2007, Waibel had a strong showing in the IPP Junior Open in Helsinki (Girls 18). That followed another strong performance in the Lueggern Junior Trophy in Lueggern.
“Alessa has such a great physical presence” added Yaroshuk-Tews. “She has the ability to end points fast and just has raw strength. She is excited to work and compete at this level. I am very happy with what I have seen so far in practice.”
For more information on this year’s newcomers, please call the Miami Office of Sports Media Relations at (305) 284-3244. The University of Miami Hurricanes women’s tennis squad will open up its fall season Sept. 19-21 at the William & Mary Invitational in Williamsburg, Va.
