May 7, 2004
IOWA CITY, IA – Iowa freshmen women’s tennis players Meg Racette and Hillary Mintz were named to the 2004 all-Big Ten team. The announcement was made by the Conference office.
Racette was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, becoming the third Hawkeye in Iowa history to earn this honor. Toni Neykova received accolades in 1999 and Laura Dvorak was honored in 1992. Racette has competed as Iowa’s top singles player during the entire 2004 season, posting a 13-9 dual record and a 6-6 conference mark. She is currently ranked 110th nationally and has posted two singles victories over ranked opponents.
Mintz has competed at No. 2 singles for the Hawkeyes, posting a 16-7 dual meet mark and an 8-5 record in Big Ten play. In her win over Indiana’s Linda Tran in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, Mintz notched her 28th overall victory of the year (fall and spring competition combined) setting the Iowa record for most singles wins by a freshman.
Racette and Mintz also compete as Iowa’s top doubles team and are currently ranked 60th nationally. The duo has registered an overall record of 13-10 and a 6-7 conference mark. They have recorded upsets over three ranked opponents, including 25th ranked Tran and Sarah Batty of Indiana in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
“To have two freshmen selected all-Big Ten is amazing,” said Iowa Head Coach Paul Wardlaw. “Having two players selected from the same team is difficult. The significant wins along with how hard these girls work in practice is invaluable. They bring energy and excitement to our team every time they step on the court.”
Racette and Mintz are the ninth and 10th Iowa women’s tennis athletes to receive this honor. They will return to the court Saturday, May 15 when the Hawkeyes face Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in the Evanston, IL, regional. Competition is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
2004 ALL-BIG TEN TEAM
Jennifer McGaffigan, Illinois*
Cynthia Goulet, Illinois
Linda Tran, Indiana
Dora Vastag, Indiana
Meg Racette, Iowa
Hillary Mintz, Iowa
Michelle DaCosta, Michigan*
Elizabeth Exon, Michigan
Angela Buergis, Minnesota*
Cristelle Grier, Northwestern*
Jessica Rush, Northwestern*
Katie McGaffigan, Wisconsin*
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Meg Racette, Iowa
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Cristelle Grier, Northwestern*
COACH OF THE YEAR
Claire Pollard, Northwestern
* — unanimous selection