George Washington University Athletics
Women’s Tennis Welcomes Trio for 2019-20
8/29/2019 11:39:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Bodewes, Kunkel and Vesikallio look to make an immediate impact
WASHINGTON – The George Washington women's tennis team welcomes a trio of newcomers for the 2019-20 season, head coach Torrie Browning has announced.
Sarah Bodewes (Pittsford, N.Y.), Luciana Kunkel (Melborne, Australia) and Alexandra Vesikallio (Chicago), will look to make an immediate impact on the Colonials' lineup in their first season in the Buff and Blue.
Sarah Bodewes
FR
Pittsford, NY
Business Administration
Pittsford Mendon
High School: Played for Pittsford Mendon … recognized as the team MVP in 2016, 2017, and 2018 … named the All-Greater Rochester Player of the Year in 2018 … 2018 State Doubles Finalist … received the Pittsford Mendon High School Academic Award in 2019 … also earned the Pittsford Mendon National Scholar-Athlete Award as a senior … also competed in USTA Tournaments.
Browning on Bodewes: "I am excited to have Sarah joining us this fall. I think she has a lot of untapped potential to grow on the court. She is a really good athlete, which is going to help her a lot in her development. Overall, she's going to make great strides this fall and overall on the year."
Sarah on Choosing GW: "I chose GW because of the amazing atmosphere it has. I found the perfect combination of academics, athletics and location. D.C. is an awesome place to be and I can't wait for the next four years as a Colonial!"
Luciana Kunkel
FR
5-10
Melbourne, Australia / Bradenton, Florida
Psychology
High School: Played for Caulfield Grammar School … competed on the ITF doubles circuit … received the Caulfield Grammar Academic Award.
Browning on Kunkel: "Luciana is a great addition to the program. Training at the IMG Academy has prepared her well for transitioning into college tennis. She has had some pretty good results this past year, and I know she will only continue to grow and develop. I know she was very keen on GW from the very beginning, and I am excited to have her on board."
Luciana on Choosing GW: "I chose to attend GW because of the location, the academics and the tennis team. GW had everything I was looking for in a school."
Alexandra Vesikallio
SO
Chicago, Illinois
International Economic Affairs
Magnificat High School
Villanova
High School: Ranked as a top-25 player in the Midwest and was the third-ranked senior in Ohio … also ranked in the top 200 nationally … finished third at States for doubles … State qualifier in singles in 2016, 2017, and 2018 … two-time MVO of Magnificat High School tennis team … graduated with honors … earned the Silver Racket Award for excellence in academics and athletics … finished high school with a 4.0 GPA.
Browning on Vesikallio: "I began recruiting Alexandra in the summer of 2017. I really liked the way she competed from when I watched her play. Fortunately this time around, we are able to have her join the program. She played at the top of the lineup at Villanova, so I anticipate her bringing that solid experience to the team. I know she will only get better in our program."
Alexandra on Choosing GW: "I chose the George Washington University for its strong academics and athletics as well as for its central location in D.C., which provides great opportunities."
Sarah Bodewes (Pittsford, N.Y.), Luciana Kunkel (Melborne, Australia) and Alexandra Vesikallio (Chicago), will look to make an immediate impact on the Colonials' lineup in their first season in the Buff and Blue.
Sarah Bodewes
FR
Pittsford, NY
Business Administration
Pittsford Mendon
High School: Played for Pittsford Mendon … recognized as the team MVP in 2016, 2017, and 2018 … named the All-Greater Rochester Player of the Year in 2018 … 2018 State Doubles Finalist … received the Pittsford Mendon High School Academic Award in 2019 … also earned the Pittsford Mendon National Scholar-Athlete Award as a senior … also competed in USTA Tournaments.
Browning on Bodewes: "I am excited to have Sarah joining us this fall. I think she has a lot of untapped potential to grow on the court. She is a really good athlete, which is going to help her a lot in her development. Overall, she's going to make great strides this fall and overall on the year."
Sarah on Choosing GW: "I chose GW because of the amazing atmosphere it has. I found the perfect combination of academics, athletics and location. D.C. is an awesome place to be and I can't wait for the next four years as a Colonial!"
Luciana Kunkel
FR
5-10
Melbourne, Australia / Bradenton, Florida
Psychology
High School: Played for Caulfield Grammar School … competed on the ITF doubles circuit … received the Caulfield Grammar Academic Award.
Browning on Kunkel: "Luciana is a great addition to the program. Training at the IMG Academy has prepared her well for transitioning into college tennis. She has had some pretty good results this past year, and I know she will only continue to grow and develop. I know she was very keen on GW from the very beginning, and I am excited to have her on board."
Luciana on Choosing GW: "I chose to attend GW because of the location, the academics and the tennis team. GW had everything I was looking for in a school."
Alexandra Vesikallio
SO
Chicago, Illinois
International Economic Affairs
Magnificat High School
Villanova
High School: Ranked as a top-25 player in the Midwest and was the third-ranked senior in Ohio … also ranked in the top 200 nationally … finished third at States for doubles … State qualifier in singles in 2016, 2017, and 2018 … two-time MVO of Magnificat High School tennis team … graduated with honors … earned the Silver Racket Award for excellence in academics and athletics … finished high school with a 4.0 GPA.
Browning on Vesikallio: "I began recruiting Alexandra in the summer of 2017. I really liked the way she competed from when I watched her play. Fortunately this time around, we are able to have her join the program. She played at the top of the lineup at Villanova, so I anticipate her bringing that solid experience to the team. I know she will only get better in our program."
Alexandra on Choosing GW: "I chose the George Washington University for its strong academics and athletics as well as for its central location in D.C., which provides great opportunities."
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