Feb. 13, 2006
This year’s team is highlighted by four strong returnees and three talented new additions. Returnees Meg Racette, Hillary Mintz, Milica Veselinovic, and Jacqueline Lee, are all coming off strong first seasons under Coach Greenan.
According to Greenan, “all four returnees seem motivated and ready to raise the bar. Joining the team half-way through last year was a challenge for both me and our young team. We were able to rise to the occasion and I was happy with the team’s progress and our late-season success, especially in Big Ten competition. I am extremely excited about our new group; they are all talented tennis players and very fun to be around. I could not ask for a better group of student athletes to coach.”
Meg is proving to be a consistent performer at the top of the Hawkeye line-up. She had a tremendous fall season recording seven wins, five of them being over ranked opponents. She played every dual match in her first two seasons and the number one position; she was nationally ranked as a freshman and sophomore, and is currently ranked #21 in FILA Collegiate Tennis Rankings.
“Meg is an extremely talented player and a real leader on the court. She loves to compete and sets a great example on match day with her focus and desire to win.”
Hillary followed up her record setting 28 wins in her freshman year with a solid sophomore season. Mintz went 13-9 at the #2 position last season, and was ranked as high as #78 in the nation in February, 2005.
“Hillary is an intelligent player with excellent all-court skills making her a threat in both singles and doubles. She is an impact player with a tremendous competitive spirit. We will be counting on her to play high in the line-up in both singles and doubles.”
Mili is coming off one of the best freshman campaigns in Iowa history. Her 30 wins set the team record for wins by a freshman, breaking teammate Hillary Mintz’ record 28 wins set the previous season. In the fall Mili won her second collegiate title taking the top flight at the Roberta Alison Invitational in Tuscaloosa, AL. A 6-3 fall tournament record with two wins over ranked opponents has propelled Mili to her debut in the top 100 of the FILA National Collegiate Singles Rankings at #93.
“Mili is fit, fired up and ready to follow up a great freshman year. She has gotten herself into better shape and her extra strength has helped her land some big wins already. Mili is a fierce competitor and is willing to battle every opponent every time she steps on the court.”
“Jacqueline is an extremely focused and dedicated student/athlete. I think she will continue to improve each year because of her work ethic and athleticism.”
“Merel is a talented lefty with excellent ball striking ability. She has the ability to hit winners from all areas of the court. Merel is going to be a huge threat in college tennis as she gets physically stronger and learns to harness her stroking abilities.”
“Kayla possesses all the tools for success in both singles and doubles. She has already proven herself as a top ranked NAIA player and I expect she will have continued success in division 1.”
“Krissy is a well-rounded player with a fantastic attitude and work ethic. She is an excellent teammate on and off the court and one the other girls can count on to work hard for every point she plays.”