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Aliona Bolsova Turning Pro After One Season With The Owls
7/26/2018 9:59:00 AM | Women's Tennis
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Aliona Bolsova announced on Wednesday that she is forgoing the final two years of her collegiate eligibility to turn professional.
The sophomore from Paladrugell, Spain had a remarkable career with the Owls in her lone season. She went undefeated in singles play with a record of 19-0, winning each match in straight sets, including eight victories over ranked opponents. In doubles, she went 15-3, earning a No. 4 overall seed in the NCAA Women's Tennis Championship. She was also ranked No. 2 in the ITA singles rankings.
Bolsova's decision to turn professional comes as no surprise to women's tennis head coach Marcy Hora-Cava.
"There are a lot of people that want to play professional tennis, but they don't possess every quality that it takes," said Hora-Cava. "Talent alone isn't nearly enough. Bolsova is one of the most talented and mature players I have gotten the opportunity to coach. Her court sense is something that can't be taught. She constantly wants more conditioning and more training. If I tell her to go run a mile around the track, she will run two miles and run on the outside lanes of the track to make it even longer for herself."
In her time as an Owl, Bolsova was twice named the Conference USA Athlete of the Week. At the conclusion of the 2018 season, she earned the C-USA Women's Tennis Player of the Year and C-USA Newcomer of the Year award. She also earned a spot on the C-USA All-Academic team and the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Coach Hora-Cava believes Bolsova's sheer talent and determination will serve her well in her latest endeavor.
"Bolsova is a perfectionist," Hora-Cava says. "If she doesn't play well in a match, she will work to fix the problem right away. She doesn't let it discourage her; instead, she will wake up the next morning with a fresh outlook and even more determination."
Since June 2018, Bolsova has posted a 19-4 record on the ITF Women's Circuit, including a current 13-match win streak. Last week, she won the Tennis International Darmstadt Tournament in Germany, a performance in which she won each match in straight sets. She also won 28th annual International Gexto Tennis Tournament in Spain.
The sophomore from Paladrugell, Spain had a remarkable career with the Owls in her lone season. She went undefeated in singles play with a record of 19-0, winning each match in straight sets, including eight victories over ranked opponents. In doubles, she went 15-3, earning a No. 4 overall seed in the NCAA Women's Tennis Championship. She was also ranked No. 2 in the ITA singles rankings.
Bolsova's decision to turn professional comes as no surprise to women's tennis head coach Marcy Hora-Cava.
"There are a lot of people that want to play professional tennis, but they don't possess every quality that it takes," said Hora-Cava. "Talent alone isn't nearly enough. Bolsova is one of the most talented and mature players I have gotten the opportunity to coach. Her court sense is something that can't be taught. She constantly wants more conditioning and more training. If I tell her to go run a mile around the track, she will run two miles and run on the outside lanes of the track to make it even longer for herself."
In her time as an Owl, Bolsova was twice named the Conference USA Athlete of the Week. At the conclusion of the 2018 season, she earned the C-USA Women's Tennis Player of the Year and C-USA Newcomer of the Year award. She also earned a spot on the C-USA All-Academic team and the C-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll.
Coach Hora-Cava believes Bolsova's sheer talent and determination will serve her well in her latest endeavor.
"Bolsova is a perfectionist," Hora-Cava says. "If she doesn't play well in a match, she will work to fix the problem right away. She doesn't let it discourage her; instead, she will wake up the next morning with a fresh outlook and even more determination."
Since June 2018, Bolsova has posted a 19-4 record on the ITF Women's Circuit, including a current 13-match win streak. Last week, she won the Tennis International Darmstadt Tournament in Germany, a performance in which she won each match in straight sets. She also won 28th annual International Gexto Tennis Tournament in Spain.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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