THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University head tennis coach
Greg Harkins announced the signing of three women's tennis student-athletes for the 2021-22 signing class.
Joining the Colonels in the Fall of 2021 will be Coastal Carolina transfer Jessie Mount, and Argentina natives Maria Victoria Marchesini and Constanza Cruz.
"This is a great group of ladies and is one the best recruiting classes we have secured in the past few years," Coach Harkins said. "They will add strength in singles and doubles play to a well-seasoned group. The culture and environment at the University is right for them to be successful. With the addition of new facilities within the next year the program is looking up and will be competitive within the Southland Conference and region. No doubt, it's good to be a Colonel!!"
PLAYER PROFILES
Jessie Mount -- Graduate
Previous School: Coastal Carolina
Hometown: Brighton East, Australia
- Will start her Master's in Psychology after graduating with Honors from Coastal Carolina
- Received the Student of the Year award in the Department of Psychology
- Led Coastal Carolina in overall doubles wins at 6-1 in the shortened 2020 season
- Named All-Sun Belt First Team Doubles in 2019 after going 5-1 in league play
From Coach Harkins:
"Jessie brings a wealth of experience and success with her to the program. A former top 80 player in Australia, she has commanded the top line in doubles for her team the past two seasons. Before last year's pandemic, she was on a five-match win streak in singles. Jessie is a versatile player who will add depth in singles and help us be competitive in doubles every match. She is a passionate person who has leadership qualities on and off the court."
Maria Victoria "Vicky" Marchesini -- Freshman
Hometown: Cordoba, Argentina
- Established herself as one of the top women in her country where she currently holds the No. 15 spot in the national rankings of the Association of Argentina Tennis (AAT)
- Recently reached the finals of the one of the AAT's top tier events
From Coach Harkins:
"Vicky will join the program as one of the most experienced freshman we have seen in quite some time. A seasoned veteran of the South American circuit, she is a physical player with a strong forehand and solid understanding of points play and pressure situations. She had many options for her college experience and after discussing the program, we felt confident that Vicky could reach her goals of playing top-flight tennis and enjoying a healthy team culture and environment for her college days. Vicky is a top-flight player and person, and we are excited to have her join the Colonel family."
Constanza "Coni" Cruz -- Freshman
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Reached career high of 709 in ITF Junior Circuit
- Has had success in singles and doubles, peaking at No. 5 as a 16U junior where she also reached the Master's Doubles final that year
From Coach Harkins:
"Coni rounds out this year's class as another strong junior from Argentina who has transitioned well into women's competitive play. She is currently No. 40 in the AAT and has extensive match play experience like her counterpart Vicky. Coni came onboard first in this class. I was extremely impressed by her and her family. She not only excels on the court but is also a top-notch student in the classroom. Coni will bring maturity and depth to this solid recruiting class."
