George Washington University Athletics
GW Women's Tennis' Kussainova Grabs National Ranking
1/6/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
ITA National Singles Rankings | ITA Atlantic Region Rankings
SKILLMAN, NJ - George Washington women's tennis' freshman Diana Kussainova is tied for the No. 114 national singles ranking in the first Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) ranking of 2016.
Kussainova will also begin the spring slate with an ITA Atlantic Region ranking, along with sophomore Teodora Radosavljevic.
"We are excited to have several players ranked after this fall," said head coach Greg Munoz. "This is only the beginning of what I foresee from a very talented women's program."
A native of Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kussainova put together a stellar fall semester to begin her rookie campaign, winning solo flight titles at the Elon and UVa Invitationals for a perfect, 8-0, mark to earn an ITA ranking of No. 114 - the first Colonial to earn a national singles ranking since 1993, when Lisa Shafran and Karina Ramirez were slotted No. 75 and No. 85, respectively, to close the season as Atlantic 10 champions. Kussainova will also enter the dual match season with a No. 16 Atlantic Region singles ranking.
"Diana is a very talented young player who was a bit under the radar in the USTA rankings coming in as a freshman," said Coach Munoz. "We are very lucky to have her."
Radosavljevic played at GW's No. 1 solo position in 2015, leading the team with a 19-10 record en route to an Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team selection. During the fall 2015 season, the Belgrade, Serbia, native posted an 8-2 singles mark, grabbing a flight victory at the Elon Invitational. Radosavljevic's only losses of the fall were to nationally-ranked opponents. Radosavljevic will enter the spring with a No. 18 Atlantic Region ranking.
"Teodora is coming off of a fantastic fall as well," said Coach Munoz. "If she keeps progressing like she has been, she has the potential to break into the top 20 in the nation within the next year."
"I feel we have four or five players that could find their way into the rankings this year," said Coach Munoz. "We need to be healthy, but I have high hopes for this program.
"The spring season is long with many opportunities, but playing consistent tennis to avoid any unranked losses along the way is key. We have a few players who will surprise some teams this year. We are very excited to get started."
GW opens the spring against Navy on Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center - the Colonials' home indoor courts.
Players Mentioned
