Jan. 17, 2001

Columbia, Mo. -- University of Missouri head tennis coach Blake Starkey announced today Urska Juric will join the team for the upcoming season.

"We saw Urska a couple of years ago at the Orange Bowl Tournament. She's very smart and carries that ability over to the court. We're happy she's here," said Starkey, who is in his fourth season at Missouri.

The 19-year-old Juric is a native of Placar, Slovenia, and has been a standout in her country. Juric won the 1999 Slovenian National Championships and is ranked second among Slovenian women. She was also a member of the Slovenian National Team, as well as the Slovenian Continental Cup Team.

Juric will be one of four freshmen who will see action on the court for the Tigers this season. Missouri opens the 2001 season against Pittsburgh and West Virginia Jan. 27 in Pittsburgh, Pa.