Umekuni Transfers to Iowa for 2026-27 Season

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Rioko Umekuni will join the University of Iowa women’s tennis program as a redshirt freshman transfer from Baylor University, head coach Sasha Boros announced on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rioko to the Hawkeye family,” Boros said. “She brings an impressive international background, a strong competitive spirit, and valuable experience in both singles and doubles. Throughout the recruiting process, we were drawn to Rioko’s determination, maturity, and genuine excitement about becoming a Hawkeye. We believe she will make an immediate impact on our program, and we are excited to support her growth as a student-athlete at the University of Iowa.”

The Saitama, Japan native reached an ITF Junior career-high ranking of No. 214, winning the 2024 singles title at ITF Junior J60 India. She also represented her country at the 2021 World Junior Tennis Tour Finals. 

Umekuni won the doubles title at ITF Junior J200 China in 2024, five years after she reached No. 1 in the Japan National Doubles Rankings with a 2019 All-Japan Doubles Tournament championship. 

“I chose the University of Iowa because I truly believe it is the best place for me to grow both as a tennis player and as a person,” Umekuni said. “The outstanding coaching staff, strong academic environment, and excellent medical support made Iowa feel like the perfect fit. I’m excited to be part of the Hawkeye family and can’t wait to contribute to the team.”

Umekuni is the sixth player joining the program for the 2026-27 season, along with incoming freshmen Mia Soso, Emerey Gross, Macey Howes, Clare Schaefer and Purdue third-year transfer Ida Clement.