Women's Tennis Head Coach Ira Miller has brought in a trio of talents for the 2010-11 campaign, announced Monday, Aug.30. The Knights' roster will feature nine players with the additions of junior transfer Irina Dementyeva (Moscow, Russia/W 91), freshman Manuela Leme (Varginha, Brazil/E.E. Antania Alves Cruz) and freshman Emily Napier (London, England/Cheam).
Dementyeva, a native of Moscow, Russia, previously played at nationally-ranked Old Dominion University. She played number three singles during her last year at ODU. As a junior player, Dementyeva achieved an International Tennis Federation (ITF) world ranking of 365.
"We are fortunate to have a player of Irina's ability at FDU," said Miller. "Her high-level ITF experience, along with her two years of national level college tennis, will bring a solid, veteran player to the FDU lineup."
Hailing from Varginha, Brazil, Leme boasts a top 10 ranking as a junior player in Brazil.
"Manuela has an outstanding work ethic," Miller said. Her all-court skills will serve her well at the collegiate level."
Napier comes across the pond from London, England. In her state, Surrey, she has been in the top four in both the 16-U and 18-U divisions.
"Emily is solid off the ground with a real will to win," said Miller.
Fairleigh Dickinson begins its fall season on Sept. 17 when they travel to Stony Brook, NY to participate in the Stony Brook Classic. The Knights will participate in five tournaments and two dual matches during the fall.
