The signing of Jelena Vico, a native of Etobicoke, Ontario, by the women’s tennis team at Rutgers University has been officially announced. Vico is scheduled to join the team as a freshman in the autumn of 2023.
Head coach Hilary Ritchie stated that Vico’s exceptional natural power in her game, combined with her international competition experience, will be a valuable addition to the team during Big Ten play.
In her statement, Vico expressed her enthusiasm for joining Rutgers, citing the welcoming and friendly nature of the tennis coaches, Hilary Ritchie and Hailey Barrett, as key factors in her decision. She also highlighted the sense of teamwork and encouragement within the existing team, which she believes will contribute to her growth as a player and an individual.
Vico has achieved notable success on the ITF World Tennis Tour, participating in events worldwide, including tournaments in Guatemala, Canada, and Europe. Her crowning achievements include earning her first-ever ITF title at a J5 in Santa Tecla, El Salvador in 2022, followed by another title at a G4 in Santo Domingo in 2023.
Upon her arrival at Rutgers, Vico intends to pursue a degree in software engineering, drawn to the university’s renowned academic programs in the field. She looks forward to learning from experienced professors and excelling in her studies.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Vico is an honor student at Richview Collegiate Institute and an active member of various school clubs and sports teams, demonstrating her dedication to both academic and extracurricular pursuits.
With her sights set on continued athletic and academic success, Vico is excited to contribute to the Rutgers University tennis program while receiving a top-notch education. She believes that Rutgers is the ideal environment for her to thrive both on the court and in the classroom.
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Overall, the addition of Jelena Vico to the Rutgers University women’s tennis team is a promising development, and her arrival is eagerly anticipated by the coaching staff and her future teammates.