Women's Tennis Announces 2002-03 Recruiting Class
07/30/2002 | 12:00:00 | Women's Tennis
July 30, 2002
Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois University head women's tennis coach Judy Auld announced today that Jessica Knitter, Zoya Honarmand, Zuzana Palovic, Maria Blanco and Sophie Bedard have signed national letters of intent to become Salukis for the 2002-03 season.
After finishing the 2001-02 campaign with just three players, this year's class looks to be an extremely talented group.
"I am very happy with this year's class," said Auld. "Four of the five signees are freshmen and it's like having a whole new team. They are an excited and enthusiastic bunch and they will bring much excitement and enthusiasm to this year's squad."
Knitter, a native of Murrieta Valley, Calif., joins the Salukis from Mount San Antonio Junior College where she was ranked among the top junior college prospects in the state. Ranked third in her conference as a senior, Knitter appears to be the most experienced athlete of the fivesome.
"It's hard to predict who the number one singles player will be this season, but Jessica will definitely battle for that spot," said Auld. "She has the most experience after playing at the junior college level and I am anxious to see her play."
Along with Knitter, SIU welcomes Honarmand and Palovic who reign from Canada. Honarmand, who hails from Scarborough, Ontario, was undefeated in both singles and doubles throughout her prep career at Agincourt C.I. Palovic (Vancouver, B.C.), on the other hand, went to Sentinel Secondary School where she placed second at the Canadian Nationals as a sophomore.
"Both Zoya and Zuzana are hard-hitting and aggressive players," added Auld. "They move well, take the ball early and will be looked to contribute immediately."
Blanco joins the Maroon and White from Guadalajara, Mexico where she finished up a stellar prep career at Institito de la Vera-Cruz. Blanco was ranked nationally all four of her high school seasons, including a third-place finish at the National Olympic Games. In addition, she is the sister of current player, Alejandra Blanco.
"Maria has a very solid baseline game," continued Auld. "She moves well on the court, but needs to work on her short game, while still being consistent and aggressive."
Rounding out this year's class is Bedard who is also from Canada. A native of Montreal, Bedard went to Edouard-Monpetit High School where she was ranked eighth in her provincial 18-year old category.
"Sophie is a hard-worker who will be looked to contribute to the bottom half of the lineup," concluded Auld. "She is not afraid to sacrifice her short-term goals for long-term results." All five signees will join current players Tana Trapani, A. Blanco and Kari Stark on this year's roster.