Jasova and Nazarova Join Brenau Tennis
Dominika Jasova of Kosice, Slovakia and Zalina Nazarova of Nalchik, Russia, joined Brenau tennis program in the Fall of 2012.
Jasova began playing tennis at age 8 and started competing at 9. She played different junior tournaments and traveled with her parents, who were and still are her biggest supporters. She was ranked in the top 10 thoughout her career in Slovakia.
At 19, Jasova began her college career playing for coach Kai Fong at Lewis-Clark State College. There she received numerous accolades including: ITA/NAIA West Region Rookie of the Year, First and Second Team All American, Champion of USTA/ITA Campus Showdown at University of Idaho, No. 10 nationally ranked in NAIA singles and No. 8 in doubles.
After completing studies at the two-year college in Lewiston, Idaho, she continued her college career at Brenau.
"Brenau has a strong program. I am really excited to be part of this amazing team," said Brenau business administration major, Jasova.
"Dominika is a top tennis player in the NAIA," said Brenau Coach Andre Ferreira. "For the past two seasons, she has competed at the No.1 spot against top tennis programs in the NAIA and NCAA. Her ability to perform successfully on the court and in the classroom made her an even more attractive recruit. We are excited to have Dominika join us, and we look forward to new challenges along the way: work together to help Dominika and the Brenau tennis team reach the next level."
Nazarova was a late bloomer: she did not play tennis until age 9. She and her older sister, Dana, joined a tennis program in Russia. Nazarova played junior tournaments and was ranked as high as No. 50 in the country.
Previously she played for NCAA Division I California State University, Sacramento, and the University of Texas.
"I did so many transfers because I was searching for a school which will offer those two things that I'm most passionate about: interior design and tennis," said Brenau interior design major Nazarova. "Brenau could offer all that to me. I'm very happy to be here and excited to accomplish all my goals."
"Brenau lost four starters from its NAIA No.6 ranked 2012 team including the No.1 player. Replacing key players was not only a challenge, but required some strategic planning," said Ferreira.
"We not only looked for talent, personality and academic success, but also mature tennis players with significant tournament exposure," he said. "Zalina had the complete package: she brings significant playing experience at the Division I level, including experience at a ranked D1 program. She will be a tremendous asset to our program. At the same time, Brenau offers the ideal academic and athletic environment for her. So we are super excited that we found the ideal match both ways."
The Brenau tennis team will travel to play its first match of the season Thursday, January 31 at 2 p.m. against the Georgia Perimeter College, Dunwoody, Ga.