JONESBORO, Ark. (8/28/25) – The top juniors’ talent in Brazil – Helena Bueno – has signed with Arkansas State women’s tennis, head coach Sujay Lama announced Thursday.

“Helena checks all the boxes for the kind of student athlete we are looking to join our A-State tennis family,” Lama said. “She is a highly accomplished tennis player with pro experience, fierce competitor and an outstanding student. Most importantly, she has high character and is an outstanding human being who will fit in perfectly with our culture of growth and competitiveness. We are excited for Helena to join us in January and make an impact right away.”

Among the highest ranked recruits in program history, Bueno has a career high ranking of 131 in the ITF pro rankings circuit. She has been the top-ranked Brazilian in the U16 and U18 categories. She helped lead Brazil to a runner-up finish at the U16 South American championships. She played in the Billie Jean King Cup Juniors for Brazil and Bueno is the youngest Brazilian to score in the WTA. She holds a career best WTA singles ranking of 1,027 and a WTA doubles ranking of 823.

“It was an honor to receive the offer and a privilege to accept it and be part of A-State,” said Bueno. “From the first moment I met the coaches, I knew it was the right place for me. The structure is incredible and will help me reach my best version and thus help our team as much as possible. I can’t wait to meet my teammates and give my all for the success of our team. It will be an honor to be a Red Wolf.”

Bueno is expected to join the squad ahead of the spring portion of the 2025-26 season.