ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – As the UCF women’s tennis team wrapped up its fall slate last weekend, head coach Bryan Koniecko announced the signing of international student-athletes Valeriya Zeleva and Marie Mattel.
Both Zeleva and Mattel will join the Knights this January as the team opens their 2019 season. The duo will bring a depth of experience from both the junior and professional circuits abroad.
Valeriya Zeleva | Moscow, Russia
• Career High WTA Ranking: #539
• Career High ITF Junior Ranking: #28
• Reached the singles and doubles final of the ITF $15,000 Almaty Championship in July 2018.
• Won the 2015 Plodiv Cup in Bulgaria and reached five singles finals and three doubles finals as a junior
• Plans to major in finance.
Koniecko on Zeleva…
We are thrilled to have Valeriya join Knight Nation and build upon the culture of excellence our players have established here over the last couple seasons. Valeriya will make an immediate impact on our team and we are excited to welcome her to the UCF Family.
Marie Mattel | Le Plessis Bouchard, France
• Career tournament wins include the 2013 Les Petits Cabotins, Nike Junior International Edinburgh, Nike Junior International Bournemouth and Swiss Junior Trophy.
• Won the French National Championship Team Title in 2012 and 2016.
• Four-time regional champion in France.
• Career-high rankings: 34th in France
• Plans on majoring in event management.
Koniecko on Mattel…
We can’t wait to have Marie on campus and help Knights Tennis reach new heights this season. Marie was a great fit for our team the moment she stepped on campus and she will have a great career at UCF. We are excited for Marie to make an immediate impact as well.
The Knights wrapped up a strong fall campaign and will open the third season of the Koniecko era on Jan. 18 against Georgia Southern.
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