COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou tennis is just 10 days away from their Spring 2015 season opener at UT-Arlington. The Tigers and Mavericks will square off at 12 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, Jan. 17.
The Fall 2014 season was highly successful for Mizzou tennis, as they claimed 10 event championships and over 50 wins altogether. A group of seven Tigers contributed to the team's fall success with a strong group of proven upperclassmen and talented newcomers.
Head coach Sasha Schmid officially announced Tiger number eight to the 2014-15 roster this past Monday, as freshman Clare Raley will begin competing with the team this upcoming Spring 2015 campaign.
Raley joins freshman Brianna Lashway, sophomore Brittany Lashway and sophomore Beatriz Machado Santos as newcomers to this year's Mizzou tennis team. With an outstanding junior tennis career, Raley brings even more talent and capabilities to the 2014-15 roster.
The Atlanta, Ga. native is the first ever Top-50 recruit in Mizzou tennis history. As a five star recruit the past six years according to TennisRecruiting, Raley has been ranked as high as No. 35 in the nation within the Class of 2015.
Since her first official visit to the University of Missouri, Raley knew that the tennis program and school was something special.
"My first visit was this past summer," Raley recalled. "I got a good feeling about the school as soon as I got there. I got to meet Alex (Clark) and Madison (Rhyner) and they showed me around downtown Columbia which was fun. I loved the facilities and campus and was really excited about the tennis program after talking to Sasha (Schmid) and Jason (Potthoff). I felt comfortable and at home here right away!"
Raley officially arrived to Columbia, Mo. this past Monday, as she is set to begin her first semester at Mizzou later this month. As she begins her transition from high school to college, the Atlanta, Ga. native has already built a sense of comfort.
"These first couple days have been really good," Raley said. "I already have a better feel for getting around campus and I'm all moved in. Madison and I ran the timed mile yesterday morning and we both made it! I then got all my Mizzou tennis clothes which was definitely a huge highlight."
Beginning with her first visit on campus with members of the Mizzou tennis program, Raley has continued to build strong relationships with her teammates and coaches. With those strong connections intact, the transition to the "college life" will surely be easier than it is for most others.
"I'm pretty excited about everything, but the thing I've been looking forward to most is being part of this team," Raley exclaimed. "All the girls are so awesome and unique. I can't wait to start competing for them, my coaches and the University of Missouri. It has been so easy to connect with everyone involved in the tennis program. The energy and enthusiasm this team brings is contagious. Everyone gets along really well and the players and coaches have great relationships. I already see myself fitting into this group very quickly."
The team's success during the past fall season has brought a new sense of excitement and encouragement for Tiger fans. Raley looks to continue the success her teammates produced on the court in 2014 and transition that to the upcoming Spring 2015 campaign.
"Tiger fans should be pumped for this season," Raley proclaimed. "Our team has a lot of depth and a strong competitive spirit. We're all looking forward to a fun and successful spring season!"
Check-in to MUTigers.com for the latest information on all things Mizzou tennis. You can also find the Tigers on social media, by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter (@MizzouTennis).