JONESBORO, Ark. (11/16/23) – Arkansas State women’s tennis head coach Sujay Lama announced Thursday the additions of Anna Grigoreva, the highest-ranked recruit in program history, and Ariadna Fernández, a top Ecuadorian player, to the roster ahead of the 2024 spring season.

“We are very excited to have Anna join our A-State tennis family,” said Lama. “She brings tremendous international experience and will impact our program right away. During this recruiting process, we were very impressed with her character, poise and resilience. She is sincere and humble and has the team-first mindset which is a huge part of our program.”

Grigoreva has a career-high No. 209 ITF rating, the highest of any player entering the A-State program in school history. Her career-high UTR is 9.67. She is winner of J100 events in Tashkent and Fergana while winning three J30 events in Kazan, Baku and Cyprus. She was a finalist for J30 events in Armenia, Tajikistan and Chisinau. She also advanced to the quarterfinals in J200 events in Shymkent, Kazakhstan and Moldova and J30 events in Kazan. She was a member of the Russian Team until 15 years old and member of the Republic of Tatarstan U18 Team.

“I cannot wait to join my teammates and coaches at A-State,” said Grigoreva. “I chose Arkansas State University because of the combination of good academics and the potential of the tennis program under coach Lama’s leadership. I was looking for a developmental program where I can grow my game and eventually have the opportunity to play professionally after college.”

Ariadna Fernández was part of the Ecuadorian Junior National Team. She was finalist of the ITF J60 in Quito this year. She earned gold in singles and bronze in doubles at the National Pre-Youth Games. She graduated with honors with the highest GPA in her class.  

“We are thrilled that Ari will be joining us in January,” said Lama. “She has such a passion and love for tennis. Her positive outlook to life and mindset is contagious. Ari is a warrior and a ferocious competitor. Both Ari and Anna are tremendous students who will be great ambassadors for A-State.”

“I’m excited to join the team and get to Jonesboro and compete for A-State,” said Fernández. “While doing my research about A-State, I fell in love with the music program and all the events the program offers. One of the top reasons I chose to be a Red Wolf was Coach Lama’s visit to Ecuador and the message he brought about life on campus, the direction of the tennis program and the education you can receive at Arkansas State.”

Grigoreva and Fernández gives the Red Wolves eight players on the roster for the 21-match spring schedule. A-State begins its spring season Jan. 19 against Tennessee State, the first of 11 home matches ahead of the Sun Belt Conference Championship April 24-28.