University of Houston Athletics
Elena Kordolaimi Signs with Women's Tennis
6/22/2012 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
June 22, 2012
HOUSTON - Former Stephen F. Austin standout Elena Kordolaimi signed a financial aid agreement Friday and will join the Cougars for the 2012-13 season, University of Houston women's tennis head coach Patrick Sullivan announced.
Kordolaimi made an immediate impact in her freshman season at SFA to help lead the Lady Jacks to a national ranking of No. 35 and the first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in school history.
"Elena is an outstanding addition to the Houston Tennis family," Sullivan said. "Her experience at the highest levels of collegiate and international play make her well-suited to help our team reach the next level. As strong as her tennis is, I am even more excited about the intangibles she will bring to our team."
The Lamia, Greece, native posted an overall singles mark of 23-9 and earned a 17-7 record in dual play primarily at the top position. In just her second collegiate match, Kordolaimi toppled nationally ranked Melissa Kopinski of No. 21 Illinois while defeating opponents from No. 53 Missouri, No. 55 North Carolina and No. 58 Tulane.
The two-time Southland Conference Player of the Week also shined in doubles play, earning All-SLC Second-Team honors with partner Laura Servise after posting a 13-3 mark in dual play.
"Elena is a very high-character young woman who comes from an outstanding family that taught her great values and a strong work ethic," Sullivan said. "Enthusiasm is one of the most important qualities you can find in a person, and Elena is one of the most positive and high-energy kids that I have ever coached. We are all eager to get her on campus and begin a new, exciting chapter in Houston Cougar Tennis."
Prior to coming to the United States, Kordolaimi was the No. 1 junior player in Greece and won the Greek U-18 Championships in 2011 while also representing Greece at the 2011 European Junior Championships. There, she defeated an opponent ranked the in the top 100.
