Women’s Tennis Inks Top Junior Alisia Manolescu
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — When you have a young roster made up of mostly underclassmen, it is important to be selective in deciding on your incoming class for the 2019-20 season. You do your homework and go only after the best. That was the playbook for the UNM women’s tennis team in recruiting Alisia Manolescu, the highly sought after junior tennis player who signed an NLI to join the Lobos next year.
Manolescu brings a wealth of international experience to the table. So far this year, she has recorded a 19-13 record while playing international events in Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala. Her best tournament run was at the Copa El Salvador II, where she dropped only one set on her way to taking the championship. She also made the finals of the Tampico Jr. Cup in Tampico, Mexico, and had semifinal berth at the Monterrey San Agustin Junior Cup in Monterrey, Mexico.
Manolescu holds a UTR of 10.31, is currently the 12th best junior in Canada (where she resides), and has held a ranking as high No. 355 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). While she is expected to come into the program and make an immediate impact, she has a strong aggressive game style that will continue to grow and develop at the collegiate level.
“Her love for the game and her strong work ethic will be great attributes to the team environment,” said head coach Stephanie Wooten-Quijada. “Her drive to succeed both in the classroom and on the tennis court make her an excellent representative for our program.”
“I’m extremely excited and proud to announce my commitment to The University of New Mexico where I will continue my athletic and academic career,” said Manolescu. “I made this decision based on the amazing facilities, welcoming environment, and the outstanding professionalism and dedication shown by the coaches and athletic staff on and off the court. I can’t wait to be part of the Lobo family!”