2017 USC Aiken Women's Tennis Media Guide by USCA_Athletics

USC Aiken Women’s Tennis 2017

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Table of Contents 02 USC Aiken Info About the Conference About USC Aiken Meet the Staff

10 The Season Season Preview Team Photo Roster

12 The Coach Steve Dahm

14 The Players Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen

24 The Archives 2016 Review Record Book

Quick Facts School Address City, State Founded Enrollment Nickname Colors Arena Capacity Affiliation Conference Chancellor Athletic Director Department Phone Ticket Office Phone

USC Aiken 471 University Parkway Aiken, S.C. 29801 1961 3,250 Pacers Cardinal, Navy, White Convocation Center 3,600 NCAA Division II Peach Belt Dr. Sandra Jordan Randy Warrick 803-641-3486 803-641-3486

Credits The 2017 Women’s Tennis media guide is a publication of the USC Aiken Sports Information office. It was written and edited by Brent C. Hager, Sports Information Director. Photography was provided by CSI Photography. The guide was designed by Cody Keisler. A special thanks to head coach Steve Dahm for his assisstance with the publication.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

The Peach Belt Conference The Peach Belt Conference is committed to providing, through its dependent collegiate members, a forum for student participation in athletic, academic and co-curricular events under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II. We will exemplify the characteristics of a premier intercollegiate conference that prides itself on the inclusion of students of all demographic groups who wish to participate in a well-rounded sports program. Our institutions, our academic goals, our athletic aspirations reflect a communality of purpose and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis

This is USC Aiken

The University of South Carolina Aiken was chartered in 1961 after entering into an agreement with the University of South Carolina to establish a two-year center in Aiken. The Aiken Center opened its doors in September 1961 to 139 students. Temporarily housed in Banksia, a renovated mansion in Aiken, the Center consisted of three full-time faculty members (one of whom served as Director of the Center). In 1968, the Center underwent an institutional self-study and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a branch of the University of South Carolina and as a junior college. The first associate degrees were awarded in June 1968. The campus of USC Aiken moved from Banksia to its present site in 1972 and physical changes began to occur rapidly. At first, the permanent campus consisted of 100 acres and one multipurpose building which housed all university operations. A library was completed in 1975, and additional land was donated that increased the campus to 144 acres. In October 1977, the Student Activities Center was opened. A classroom building was occupied in 1978, and one year later, an auxiliary services building was added. An apartment complex for students, Pacer Downs, was ready

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis

for occupancy in the fall of 1984. More construction additions to the campus included completion of the Etherredge Center, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the Business and Education Building, and the Alan B. Miller Nursing Building. Additional land was acquired increasing the campus to 400 acres. Academic and organizational changes also occurred rapidly. The faculty formalized its organizational structure and redefined its role in the governance of the institution in 1974-75. Also, the students reorganized their governing body and more precisely defined their role on campus; the administration and staff structures were overhauled and expanded to meet the demands of the growing academic programs. When the full-time equivalent student enrollment reached 1,066 in the fall of 1975, the USC Aiken campus was permitted to plan for senior level courses and to create a number of baccalaureate degree programs. In that same year, USCA received approval as a four-year branch campus by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, and USCA was designated a Recognized Candidate for Senior College Accreditation. In September 1976, the Board of Trustees granted academic autonomy to the Aiken Campus. The first bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees were granted in May 1977, and USCA became a fully

accredited senior college. Presently, the college community is comprised of more than 3,200 students, over 100 full-time faculty, approximately 110 staff members, and 28 administrators. USCA awards bachelor’s degrees in more than 20 major areas of study, master’s degrees in two areas, and offers a varied program of continuing education courses for the wider community. Today USC Aiken offers students a liberal education designed to develop an understanding of human experience which will equip them for life in a free society. To accomplish this, the University provides students with an opportunity to discover learning processes which enable them to grow personally and socially. It promotes students’ interaction within a community of active scholars and artists, and it encourages students to use the knowledge which they gain to deal with the problems of a rapidly changing world.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Meet the Staff  Dr. Sandra Jordan University Chancellor

Sandra J. Jordan, former provost and vice president for academic

Jordan’s appointment marks a return to the state where her

affairs at Georgia College & State University, was named

higher education career began. From 1986-1989, she was

chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2012.

an assistant professor of art history at Lander University and

Jordan became the fourth chancellor of USC Aiken, succeeding Thomas L. Hallman who retired after 12 years in the position. “I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system,” Jordan said. “USC Aiken’s mission, unwavering dedication to student success and vibrant partnerships with the community, make this an exceptional and exciting position. I am thrilled to accept this invitation to join the Pacers during this pivotal time in the history of the institution and I look forward to

director of the Monsanto Gallery of Art. Jordan earned her bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Alabama, and her doctorate in art history from the University of Georgia. She has also attended the Management Development Program at Harvard University’s Institute for Higher Education, the 21st Century Leadership Institute and was a summer fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Higher Education Management. A student of leadership, she is often asked to mentor new leaders at the state and national level.

working closely with President Pastides, the USC Aiken faculty,

Jordan has been married for 30 years to Michael Jordan, an

staff and students as well as our alumni and friends to build upon

architect and graduate of Clemson University. They have a son,

the successes that defined this university’s first 50 years.”

Matthew, who is a doctoral student in electrical engineering at

I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Georgia Tech.

Randy Warick Athletic Director

Randy Warrick is in his 30th year as Director of Athletics at the

While earning his master’s degree, he served as a graduate

University of South Carolina Aiken. He was hired at USCA in

assistant baseball coach. In the same season, the team advanced

1978 as head baseball coach and intramural director and has

to the College World Series.

served many different duties during his tenure.

Warrick is a member of the College Athletic Management’s

While coaching baseball for 11 years, Warrick also served as an

Editorial Board, PBC Awards Committee, NCAA Division II

assistant basketball coach during the 1978-79 season and acting

AD’s Association Board of Directors, Greater Augusta Sports

golf coach in 1989-90.

Council Board, and is the most recent past chairman of the

As baseball coach, Warrick compiled a 392-146 record, while

NCAA Division II National Golf Committee.

earning various coaching awards. In 1986 his team advanced to

Warrick is married to Martha Blankenship Warrick of Augusta,

the College World Series, the highlight of his coaching career.

Ga. They have one son, Tripp, who graduated from USC Aiken.

Warrick was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. and attended Rocky

The Warrick family resides in North Augusta, S.C.

Mount High School. He was an All-Conference player in football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from high school, Warrick went to Louisburg Junior College where he played baseball for two years. In 1975, Warrick earned his Associate of Arts degree from Louisburg and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals, but decided to stay in school. Warrick then moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a two-year baseball scholarship. While at North Carolina he earned Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic honors two straight years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1977 and then his Master of Arts in Teaching in 1978.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Tim Hall

Associate Athletic Director

Tim Hall is in his 26th year as a member of the USC Aiken athletic

Master’s in Student Personnel Services from USC as well.

department. Hall first joined the program in 1990 as a graduate assistant.

In his time at USC Aiken, Hall has been on a number of campus

In 1993 he was hired on as the university’s full-time NCAA Compliance

committees including the first year academic advisor program and the

Coordinator.

enrollment management action team in the strategic planning process.

In August 1997, the Batesburg-Leesville native was promoted to

Hall is married to the former Jenny Fulmer and they have three sons,

Assistant Athletic Director.

Jordan, Ethan and Wyatt.

In September 2003, Hall was promoted again, this time to the position of Associate Athletic Director for Administration and External Services. In this role, Hall oversees NCAA compliance and academic support. In addition, he assists with home game administration and fundraising. A 1990 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Hall received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. In 1992, he earned a

Angie Osbon

Assistant Athletic Director Angie Osbon is in her 17th year as a member of the USC Aiken athletic

and was selected to the Who’s Who Among Cheerleading Coaches.

department. Osbon became the department’s business manager in 1999.

In addition, she has been a member of the first year academic advisor

Through the years she has earned a number of other titles, including

program and a staff facilitator for orientation.

Senior Woman Administrator, Student Athlete Advisory Committee

The former Angie Mathis is married to Rick Osbon and they have three

Advisor and Cheerleading, Mascot and Dance Team Director.

children, Reagan, Gemma and Sterling.

In 2007, Osbon received the Outstanding Commitment to Student Development Award from the Office of Student Life. In September 2003, the Aiken, S.C., native was promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Business and Student Services. Osbon earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC Aiken in 1992. In 1996, Osbon received her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. In 2002, Osbon was named student organization advisor of the year

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Brent Hager

Assistant Athletic Director

Brent C. Hager is in his fourth year as the Assistant Athletic Director for

Hager spent two and a half years at Gardner-Webb as the Assistant

Communications/Sports Information Director at USC Aiken.

Sports Information Director. He handled 13 sports throughout his time

Hager arrived at USC Aiken after serving as the Associate

with the Bulldogs. Hager also spent two years at Virginia Tech as an

Commissioner for External Affairs at the West Virginia Intercollegiate

intern in the sports information office. He handled all media requests

Athletic Conference where he handled the promotion of all 16 sports.

for the nationally-ranked men’s soccer program. Additionally, Hager

During his time at the WVIAC Hager featured the league’s only two

handled all media requests for the school’s only national champion at the

Division II National Champions and a National Player of the Year. In

time and worked with 14 All-Americans, five ACC Freshmen of the Year

addition, he ran multiple championships and redesigned the WVIAC

and numerous conference champions.

web site.

Hager got his start at UNC-Pembroke in 2002. After being hired as the

Prior to the WVIAC, Hager spent two years as the Director of Sports

Assistant Sports Information Director, he was promoted to the Interim

Information and Game Operations at Presbyterian College. He was the

Sports Information Director Position five months later.

primary contact for football, volleyball, men’s basketball, softball, men’s

The Tallahassee, Fla., native attended Wingate University where he

and women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s tennis.

received a bachelors of science degree in business administration and sport management. He earned an MBA at UNC-Pembroke in 2004.

Brandon Aiken

Assistant Athletic Director Brandon Aiken is in his 17th year as head athletic trainer and 17th

Hitchcock, he worked with high school, college, and professional

overall at USC Aiken.

athletes as well as general outpatient rehabilitation.

Aiken, a native of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., joined the USC Aiken training

Aiken guided the USC Aiken athletic training staff to back-to-back

staff in 1997 as a graduate assistant. He served in that capacity for three

(2007-08 and 2008-09) Peach Belt Conference Athletic Training Staff of

years until stepping into the head position in 2000.

the Year awards.

He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine

Aiken, who resides in Graniteville, is married to Malinda and the couple

prior to the 2009-10 athletic year.

has a son, Liam.

A 1997 graduate of Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C., Aiken received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine. Aiken is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Aiken also served as assistant and head athletic trainer at Hitchcock Rehabilitation Center in Aiken, S.C., for more than three years. At

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Team Preview After a successful season that saw the USC Aiken women’s team make the NCAA Tournament and pick up the most victories in a decade, the 2017 squad is set for an even better season. “There are no easy matches on the schedule,” head coach Steve Dahm said. “If we can do our best in the Peach Belt Conference then we will be relevant nationally. We set a goal to make regionals and be in a good spot to advance – hopefully further than we have in the past. We have the team that could do it.” The team Dahm speaks of has tremendous experience and is filled to the brim with depth. Junior Kayla Calvert is coming off a 12-win season in singles action while being a part of nine doubles victories in 2016. “Kayla had a very good record at the No. 3 spot,” Dahm said. “She’ll probably play a similar position this year. With another year of experience, we expect Kayla to have another great year.” Victoria Gianniccini posted a 12-win season a year ago while also notching 10 doubles victories. “We are expecting Victoria to be a lot more comfortable this year,” Dahm stated. “Hopefully she can play more relaxed. Victoria will play in the middle of the line-up.” Marie Aimée Habiyaremye garnered 11 victories in singles and doubles action in 2016. “Marie has a lot of experience,” Dahm said. “She is one of the best doubles players on the team and is consistent.” Marta Quereda picked up a pair of singles wins and a doubles victory in limited action a season ago. “Marta is a solid player,” Dahm stated. “She will provide great depth to the program this season.” Nadine Tusiama became the first player in USC Aiken women’s tennis history to earn first-team all-conference honors. She posted a team-high 14 singles wins to go along with 12 doubles victories. “Nadine made it to the semifinals in the fall regional,” Dahm said. “Coming off her first-team all-conference year we are looking for her to have a solid year.” Olivera Veskovac had a good season, registering 13 victories in singles and doubles action in 2016. “Olivera came on really strong last year,” Dahm stated. “We hope she’ll pick up where she left off last year – beating ranked players. We expect her to finish the year ranked.” Mariana Yamashita tallied a victory in singles action and was part of a pair of doubles wins on the year. A dual-sport student-athlete, Yamashita played soccer in the fall and accounted for a goal. “Mariana brings a lot of energy and spirit to the team,” Dahm said. “She’s the best team player we have.”

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

In addition to the talented returners, Dahm brought in a pair of solid newcomers with Brigitta Mirak and Alice Neves. “We are expecting a huge doubles boost from Brigitta,” Dahm stated. “After an adjustment period to hard courts, she will figure prominently in the singles line-up. “Alice had a good fall,” Dahm continued. “She played some really good tennis and I’m looking forward to seeing how she competes this season.” The Pacers open the season Feb. 1 against NAIA national power Georgia Gwinnett. The squad stays on the road for a contest at region foe Newberry (Feb. 5) before opening its home slate Feb. 9 against Belmont Abbey. After a quick trip to Due West, S.C., for a match at Erskine (Feb. 13), USC Aiken returns home for four straight contests, including a pair of PBC matches. Dahm’s team hosts Auburn-Montgomery (Feb. 18), Limestone (Feb. 22), Armstrong State (Feb. 24) and Flagler (Feb. 26). The lone road date during that stretch is Feb. 21 at Clark Atlanta. The team gets a few days to recover from the tough stretch before heading to North Georgia (March 3) and Young Harris (March 4). The seven-match road stretch continues after a lengthy break as USC Aiken travels to Lander (March 18), Augusta (March 21), Benedict (March 23), Clayton State (March 25) and Montevallo (March 26). Dahm’s squad has a home match against Columbus State March 31. The Pacers have four matches in April, beginning with Georgia Southwestern (Apr. 1). The following day USC Aiken takes on Georgia College. USC Aiken closes out league play with a contest against Francis Marion Apr. 9 before wrapping up the regular season with a non-conference match against Anderson. All four matches in April will be played at home. The Pacers will look to increase their NCAA Tournament chances at the PBC Tournament Apr. 20-21 in Florence, S.C.

The Roster

Name Kayla Calvert Victoria Giannaccini Marie AimĂŠe Habiyaremye Brigitta Mirak Alice Neves Marta Quereda Nadine Tusiama Olivera Veskovac Mariana Yamashita

Cl. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So.

Ht. 5-3 5-6 5-6 5-6 5-7 5-4 5-4 5-7 5-2

Hometown/Previous School Aiken, S.C. / South Aiken H.S. Jacarei, Brazil / E.E. Pompilio Mercadante Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands / Norfolk State Budapest, Hungary / Tancsics Mihaly Altalanos Lisbon, Portugal / Salesianos do Estoril Valencia, Spain / Geneva, Switzerland / University of Geneva Belgrade, Serbia / XIV beogradska gimnazija Sao Paulo, Brazil / Colegio Bandeirantes

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis



The Coach Steve Dahm Head Coach

Steven Dahm enters his 16th season at the helm of the USC

The USC Aiken women’s team notched a 13-10 overall record,

Aiken Tennis program in the 2016-17 academic year.

including a 6-7 effort against conference competition during

His men’s teams have compiled a 174-140 record overall and a

the 2014 season. The squad put together the most wins for

Peach Belt Conference record of 38-96. The women’s teams have combined for a 175-155 total record, going 59-104 in Peach belt play. Both teams earned berths to the NCAA Tournament in 2016 and finished the season nationally ranked. The women’s squad posted a 15-10 overall mark while the men’s team went 12-10. Nadine Tusiama was named a first-team all-conference honoree, becoming the first student-athlete to pick up the honor in league

the program since 2007 and had a four-match winning streak en route to earning a spot in the PBC Tournament. The team also finished ninth in the region. Nadine Tusiami earned all-conference honors while Franziska Regel and Margot Simon tallied all-academic team accolades. The Pacer men completed the 2013 season 11-9 with a 4-6 record in Peach Belt Conference play. The men competed in the NCAA Regional Tournament, falling to nationally eighth-ranked

history. Ettore Damiani and Julien Tan were both named to the

Columbus State in the regional.

PBC all-conference team.

The Pacer women’s tennis team finished 2013 at 10-12, going

The Pacer men registered a 9-9 mark during the 2015 campaign

5-8 against Peach Belt opposition. Shauna Williams was named

and Damiani was named to the PBC all-conference team. The USC Aiken women’s squad battled injuries throughout the season

PBC Player of the Week on Feb. 19. The Pacers were ranked as high as 44th nationally, but did not participate in the Regional

but still managed a 9-12 record on the year with one of the

Tournament.

youngest teams in the region.

Dahm has led both teams to national rankings and to the NCAA

The USC Aiken men’s team garnered an 11-10 overall mark in

Tournament.

2014 and picked up a pair of wins in the conference en route

In the final ITA NCAA Division II men’s tennis rankings of

to a No. 33 national ranking. The squad reeled off five straight

2009, USC Aiken’s men’s tennis team concluded the 2009 season

wins during the middle of the season and not only earned a spot

ranked a program-best fifth.

in the NCAA Tournament, but advanced to the second round.

USC Aiken, who received a bye into the semifinal round of

Alejandro Andino, Damiani and Patrick Stiebinger earned all-conference honors while Stiebinger also picked up academic all-America honors.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

the Savannah regional of the NCAA Division II Men’s Tennis Tournament, defeated No. 18 Francis Marion to advance to the regional final against No. 1 Armstrong Atlantic.

The Pirates were able to claim the regional title, but the Pacers still concluded the year 19-5 overall. AASU went on to win its second straight national crown a couple weeks later.?The Pacers as a team won 13 of their final 15 matches in 2009. Three USC Aiken men’s tennis players were chosen to the 2009 NCAA Division II Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men’s All-America team at the conclusion of the 2009 spring campaign. Bruno Seves was tabbed to the team as a singles player, while Dagoberto Darezzo and Edward Horne were selected to the team as a doubles tandem. Seves had become the program’s first ever All-America selection one year earlier in 2008.

Year Overall Record 2002 11-11 2003 6-9 2004 12-11 2005 15-11 2006 16-9 2007 13-11 2008 11-10 2009 12-10 2010 9-11 2011 10-10 2012 13-8 2013 10-12 2014 13-10 2015 9-12 2016 15-10 Totals 175-155

Overall Pct. .500 .400 .522 .577 .640 .542 .524 .545 .450 .500 .619 .455 .565 .429 .600 .530

PBC Record 2-8 0-7 3-7 4-6 3-6 4-7 4-6 3-6 4-8 4-8 7-5 5-8 6-7 4-9 6-6 59-104

PBC Pct. .200 .000 .300 .400 .333 .364 .400 .333 .333 .333 .583 .385 .462 .308 .500 .362

In 2010, USC Aiken once again had two players chosen to the ITA All-America team as Gregory Andrade and Juan Xavier Ponce were named All-Americans by virtue of ending the year ranked ninth nationally. A native of Kenmore, N.Y., Dahm came to USC Aiken from Division I Furman University where he served as the assistant men’s coach for two seasons. Dahm has a strong foundation of coaching experience. He has spent time at the Van der Meer Tennis Center, the University of Rochester and the Country Club of Buffalo, where he was the head tennis professional for five summers. In collegiate play, Dahm was the number one singles and doubles player at the University of Buffalo. He was selected to the MidAmerican All-Conference team as well as the First-Team All-Star squad. While attending UB, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

The Players Marie Aimée Habiyaremye Quick Facts Class:

Sr.

Height:

5-6

Hometown:

Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands

Previous School:

Norfolk State

Bio 2016: First-team all-conference selection … Led the team with 14 wins in singles play and was second on the team with 12 doubles wins … Posted a 6-0, 6-1 victory at the No. 2 singles slot and was part of the winning No. 1 doubles tandem in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Tallied a 6-2, 6-3 win at the No. 3 singles spot in the win over Erskine … Posted a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the No. 1 singles spot in the win over Coker … Garnered a 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 1 in the victory at Anderson … Totaled a pair of victories, coming at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles in the victory over Georgia Southwestern … Registered a 6-2, 2-1 victory at No. 1 against Columbus State … Garnered a pair of wins with an 8-0 No. 1 doubles victory and a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 1 singles in the victory over Limestone … Tallied a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 1 against Francis Marion … Posted an 8-2 doubles win at No. 1 in the win at Benedict … Picked up a pair of wins coming at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the sweep of Augusta … Was 2-0 after earning wins at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the win at Lander … Went 2-0 with wins at No. 1 double sand No. 1 singles in the victory over Alabama-Huntsville … Was 2-0 with victories at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the win over Young Harris … Garnered a pair of wins coming at No. 1 doubles (9-8) and No. 1 singles (6-0, 4-6, 6-3) in the win at North Georgia … Picked up a win at No. 1 doubles by an 8-2 score at Montevallo … Was 2-0 with wins at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the victory at Clayton State … Posted a pair of wins, coming at No. 1 doubles (8-4) and No. 1 singles (7-6 (8-6), 6-0) in the victory over North Georgia in the PBC Championships. 2015: Accounted for eight singles victories and led the team with 10 doubles wins for the season …Part of a winning No. 3 doubles team and posted a straight-set win at No. 6 singles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the winning No. 3 doubles team in the win over North Georgia … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the victory over Benedict … Registered a win at No. 3 doubles and at No. 6 singles in the victory over Erskine … Tallied a pair of wins at Pfeiffer, picking up a victory at No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles tandem at Francis Marion … Picked up a pair of wins, coming at the No. 3 doubles spot and No. 5 singles position in the victory at North Greenville … Won a 6-3, 6-1 match at the No. 5 singles position in the victory over Montevallo … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

team at the No. 2 spot, taking an 8-5 win against Clayton State … Picked up a pair of wins, including an 8-5 victory at No. 2 doubles and a three-set victory at No. 5 singles in the sweep of UNC Pembroke. Previous School: Attended Norfolk State. High School: Attended Koning Willem II College. Personal: Marie Aimée Habiyaremye was born Feb. 11, 1995 in Nairobi, Kenya ... Daughter of Adrien Habiyaremye and Marie Grace Mukaperezida ... Has three older brothers, Arsene, Davy and Serge ... Majoring in sociology.

Marta Quereda Quick Facts Class:

Sr.

Height:

5-4

Hometown:

Valencia, Spain

Bio 2016: Tallied a pair of wins in singles action while being part of a doubles win at No. 3 on the season … Posted her first victory of the season at the No. 6 singles slot in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Recorded a straightset victory at No. 6 singles in the victory over Georgia Southwestern … Garnered a pair of wins coming at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles in the sweep of Augusta … Went 2-0, coming at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles in the sweep at Belmont Abbey. Personal: Marta Quereda was born Dec. 29, 1995 in Valencia, Spain ... Daughter of Antonio and Inmaculada ... Has a younger brother ... Majoring in business marketing.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Nadine Tusiama Quick Facts Class:

Sr.

Height:

5-4

Hometown:

Geneva, Switzerland

Previous School:

Geneva

Bio 2016: First-team all-conference selection … Led the team with 14 wins in singles play and was second on the team with 12 doubles wins … Posted a 6-0, 6-1 victory at the No. 2 singles slot and was part of the winning No. 1 doubles tandem in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Tallied a 6-2, 6-3 win at the No. 3 singles spot in the win over Erskine … Posted a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the No. 1 singles spot in the win over Coker … Garnered a 6-1, 6-2 victory at No. 1 in the victory at Anderson … Totaled a pair of victories, coming at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles in the victory over Georgia Southwestern … Registered a 6-2, 2-1 victory at No. 1 against Columbus State … Garnered a pair of wins with an 8-0 No. 1 doubles victory and a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 1 singles in the victory over Limestone … Tallied a 6-2, 6-3 win at No. 1 against Francis Marion … Posted an 8-2 doubles win at No. 1 in the win at Benedict … Picked up a pair of wins coming at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the sweep of Augusta … Was 2-0 after earning wins at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the win at Lander … Went 2-0 with wins at No. 1 double sand No. 1 singles in the victory over Alabama-Huntsville … Was 2-0 with victories at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the win over Young Harris … Garnered a pair of wins coming at No. 1 doubles (9-8) and No. 1 singles (6-0, 4-6, 6-3) in the win at North Georgia … Picked up a win at No. 1 doubles by an 8-2 score at Montevallo … Was 2-0 with wins at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the victory at Clayton State … Posted a pair of wins, coming at No. 1 doubles (8-4) and No. 1 singles (7-6 (8-6), 6-0) in the victory over North Georgia in the PBC Championships. 2015: Missed most of the year due to an injury … Picked up six singles wins and five doubles victories for the season … Recorded a straight-set win at No. 1 singles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team in the win over North Georgia … Won the No. 1 singles match against North Georgia … Posted a three-set victory at the No. 1 singles spot against Queens … Garnered victories at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the victory over Benedict … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team in the victory over Erskine. 2014: Second-team all-conference performer … Posted a team-best 16 singles wins and was part of a team-high 13 doubles victories … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team and was a straight set winner at No. 2 singles in the victory over Belmont Abbey … Notched an 8-6 win at No. 1 doubles and a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 2 doubles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the doubles tandem that won No. 2 doubles 8-6 over UNC Pembroke … Won the singles match over the Braves at No. 2 by a 6-4, 7-6 count … Went 2-0 at Anderson, winning in straight sets for the No. 2 singles spot and was part of the No. 2 doubles tandem … Notched a three-set win at

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

No. 2 at Montevallo … Went 2-0, garnering a victory at No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles in the upset of No. 46 Clayton State … Posted wins at the No. 1 singles spot and was part of the No. 2 doubles team that won at Erskine … Posted a 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 1 singles against Pfeiffer … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team in the victory over Georgia Southwestern … Notched a straight-set victory against the Hurricanes at No. 1 singles … Posted a straight-set victory at No. 2 against GRU Augusta … Tallied a straight-set win at No. 1 singles over Limestone … Garnered two wins over Lander, with one coming at No. 2 doubles and the other at the No. 1 singles spot … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles squad at Queens ... Earned a 6-4, 7-6, win at the No. 2 singles position against Francis Marion … Went 2-0 against Young Harris, claiming a win at No. 1 doubles and a three-set win at No. 1 singles … Won 6-2, 6-3 at No. 1 singles against North Georgia. Personal: Nadie Tusiama was born Jan. 21, 1993 in Geneva ... Daughter of Beremie and Yala Tusiama.

Kayla Calvert Quick Facts Class:

Jr.

Height:

5-3

Hometown:

Aiken, S.C.

Previous School:

South Aiken H.S.

Bio 2016: Third on the team with 12 singles wins … Part of nine doubles victories … Posted a 6-2, 6-0 victory at the No. 3 singles slot and was part of the winning No. 3 doubles tandem in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Was part of the No. 3 doubles team that earned an 8-6 victory in the win over Erskine … Went 2-0 against Coker, winning at the No. 3 singles spot and being part of the victorious No. 3 doubles tandem in the win over the Cobras … Was 2-0 with wins at No. 3 doubles and No. 3 singles in the victory at Anderson … Went 2-0 with victories at No. 3 doubles and No. 3 singles in the win over Georgia Southwestern … Recorded a pair of wins, coming at No. 3 doubles and No. 3 singles in the victory over Limestone … Tallied a 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles against Francis Marion … Picked up wins at No. 2 doubles and No. 3 singles in the sweep of Augusta … Was 2-0 after earning wins at No. 3 doubles and No. 3 singles in the win at Lander … Went 2-0 with wins at No. 3 doubles and No. 3 singles in the win over Young Harris … Posted a pair of victories coming at No. 3 doubles (9-8) and No. 3 singles (6-3, 7-5) in the win at North Georgia … Garnered a 6-1, 6-0 victory at Montevallo … Picked up a win at No. 3 singles by scores of 6-1, 6-4 in the victory at Clayton State … Garnered a victory at No. 3 singles by a score of 7-6 (7-2), 6-1 in the victory over North Georgia in the PBC Championships. 2015: Second on the team with 11 singles wins while adding seven doubles victories for the season … Teamed up with Sarah Bernos for a doubles victory at No. 2 while notching a singles win at No. 5 in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Registered a 6-3, 6-3 victory at the No. 5 doubles spot in the win over North Georgia … Picked up a pair of wins at Coker, teaming up for a doubles win at No. 2 before besting her opponent at No. 5 singles in the win over the Cobras … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 2 doubles and No. 4 singles … Picked up a pair of wins without losing a game in the victory over Benedict … Won a three-set match at the No. 4 spot in the victory over Erskine … Registered a pair of wins, coming at the No. 2 doubles position and No. 4 singles spot in the victory at North Greenville … Won a three-set thriller at the No. 4 singles position against Anderson … Won a pair of matches, coming with a win at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles in the victory over Montevallo … Garnered a 5-7, 6-4, 10-2 win at the No. 4 singles spot against Clayton State … Registered a pair of victories at UNC Pembroke, including an 8-6 doubles win at a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the No. 4 singles spot in the sweep of UNC Pembroke. High School: Attended Aiken H.S. ... Also played soccer and tennis ... Region Player of the Year in tennis and finished in the top eight at the state championships ... Scholar-athlete award winner ... Wendy’s Heisman finalist ... Won the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award. Personal: Kayla Grace Calvert was born August 8, 1996 … Daughter of Mark Calvert and Kristen Burns ... Has three siblings, Spenser, Zach and Jonathan ... Majoring in nursing.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Olivera Veskovac Quick Facts Class:

Jr.

Height:

5-7

Hometown:

Belgrade, Serbia

Previous School:

XIV beogradska gimnazija

Bio 2016: Second on the team with 13 singles wins and topped the squad with 13 doubles victories … Posted a 7-5, 6-4 victory at the No. 1 singles slot and was part of the winning No. 1 doubles tandem in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Garnered a 7-5, 3-2 victory at the No. 1 singles spot in the win over Erskine … Registered a 6-2, 6-1 victory at the No. 2 singles spot in the win over Coker … Tallied a three-set win at No. 2 singles in the victory at Anderson … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team and tallied a win at No. 2 singles in the victory over Georgia Southwestern … Recorded a pair of wins, coming at No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles in the victory over Limestone … Posted a pair of wins, coming at No. 1 double sand No. 2 singles in the win at Benedict … Picked up a pair of wins coming at No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles in the sweep of Augusta … Was 2-0 after earning wins at No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles in the win at Lander … Part of the 8-5 win at No. 1 doubles in the victory over Alabama-Huntsville … Garnered two victories, coming at No. 2 doubles and No. 1 singles in the sweep at Belmont Abbey … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team with an 8-3 victory in the win over Young Harris … Picked up a win at No. 2 singles against Georgia College … Guided the No. 1 doubles team to a 9-8 (7-5) victory in the win at North Georgia … Picked up a win at No. 1 doubles by an 8-2 score at Montevallo … Was 2-0 with wins at No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles in the victory at Clayton State … Garnered two victories, coming at No. 1 doubles (8-4) and No. 2 singles (6-3, 2-6, 6-1) in the victory over North Georgia in the PBC Championships. 2015: Led the team with 14 singles victories and was part of nine doubles wins for the season … Part of a winning No. 3 doubles team and posted a straight-set win at No. 4 singles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the winning No. 3 doubles team in the win over North Georgia … Garnered a three-set win at the No. 4 singles spot in the victory over North Georgia … Posted a 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 4 singles in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 3 doubles and No. 5 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the victory over Benedict … Registered two wins in the victory over Erskine, taking the No. 5 singles match while teaming up for a victory at No. 3 doubles … Earned a three-set win at No. 4 singles and was part of the winning No.3 doubles squad at Pfeiffer … Garnered a victory at the No. 4 singles position against No. 35 Lander … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles tandem at Francis Marion … Notched a 6-1, 6-0 victory as the No. 3 player at Young Harris … Picked up a pair of wins, coming at the No. 1 doubles spot and the No. 2 singles position in the victory at North Greenville … Posted a 6-1, 6-2 victory at the No. 3 spot in the victory over Montevallo … Garnered a 4-6, 6-1, 10-2 win at the No. 3 singles position against Clayton State … Tallied a 6-2, 6-3 victory at the No. 3 spot against GRU Augusta … Picked up a pair of wins, including an 8-2 victory at No. 1 doubles and a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles in the sweep of UNC Pembroke.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Victoria Giannaccini Quick Facts Class:

So.

Height:

5-6

Hometown:

Jacarei, Brazil

Previous School:

E.E. Pompilio Mercadante

Bio 2016: Third on the team with 12 singles wins while notching 10 doubles victories … Posted a 6-0, 6-2 victory at the No. 4 singles slot and was part of the winning No. 3 doubles tandem in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Tallied a 6-1, 6-4 win at the No. 4 singles spot and was part of the winning No. 3 doubles team in the win over Erskine … Went 2-0 against Coker, winning at the No. 3 singles spot and being part of the victorious No. 3 doubles tandem in the win over the Cobras … Was 2-0 with wins at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles in the victory at Anderson … Posted a pair of wins, coming at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles in the victory over Georgia Southwestern … Recorded an 8-3 win at No. 3 doubles in the victory over Limestone … Posted a 6-1, 7-6 victory against Francis Marion … Picked up a pair of wins coming at No. 2 doubles and No. 4 singles in the sweep of Augusta … Was 2-0 after earning wins at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles in the win at Lander … Notched a 6-3, 6-0 win at No. 3 singles in the victory over Alabama-Huntsville … Garnered a pair of wins, coming at No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles in the sweep at Belmont Abbey … Part of the winning No. 3 doubles team by an 8-0 score in the win over Young Harris … Part of the winning No. 3 doubles team by a score of 9-8 (7-4) in the victory at North Georgia … Notched a 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 win at Montevallo … Posted a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 4 in the victory at Clayton State. High School: Attended E.E. Pompilio Mercadante Personal: Victoria Rodrigues Giannaccini was born Jan. 24, 1997 in Sao Jose Dos Campos, Sao Paulo ... Daughter of Marcia Rodrigues Giannaccini and Sidney Giannaccini ... Has two brothers ... Majoring in business.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Mariana Yamashita Quick Facts Class:

So.

Height:

5-2

Hometown:

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Previous School:

Colegio Bandeirantes

Bio 2016: Posted a victory at No. 6 singles and was part of two wins in doubles action for the season … Part of the winning No. 3 team by an 8-1 score in the win at Benedict … Picked up two wins, coming at No. 2 doubles and No. 6 singles in the sweep at Belmont Abbey. High School: Attended Colegia Bandeirantes ... Two-time champion of intercollegiate indoor soccer ... Named the Female Student-Athlete of the Year as a freshman ... Entered the women’s soccer indoor Hall of Fame after her sophomore season. Personal: Mariana Miyuki Yamashita was born Sept. 23, 1995 in Sao Paulo, Brazil ... Daughter of Alberto and Regina Yamashita ... Has a younger brother, Bruno, who plays tennis for William Wood University ... Majoring in biology.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

Brigitta Mirak Quick Facts Class:

Fr.

Height:

5-6

Hometown:

Budapest, Hungary

Previous School:

Tancsics Mihaly Altalanos

Bio

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis

Alice Neves Quick Facts Class:

Fr.

Height:

5-7

Hometown:

Lisbon, Portugal

Previous School:

Salesianos do Estoril

Bio Previous School: Attended Salesianos do Estoril. Personal: Alice Guerra Barosa Jardim Neves was born July 23, 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal ... Daughter of Catarina Barosa and Pedro Teixeira Neves ... Has three siblings, Francisco, Maria and Sara ... Majoring in communications.

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis

2016 Review The 2016 University of South Carolina Aiken women’s tennis season was one for the ages. The squad went 15-10 and posted a 6-6 mark in league play, which was good enough for sixth place in the Peach Belt Conference and a No. 30 national ranking. With the outstanding play the team put forth, it earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since a 16-9 record during the 2006 campaign. During singles play, the Pacers were guided by first-team allconference selection Nadine Tusiama’s 14-4 mark, including 12 victories at the top spot. Tusiama became the first USC Aiken student-athlete to ever garner first-team all-league accolades in women’s tennis after posting a 7-3 singles mark against PBC competition. Olivera Veskovac notched a 13-win campaign, picking up 10 victories at the No. 2 slot. Kayla Calvert and Victoria Giannaccini tallied 12 singles wins each while Marie Habiyaremye totaled 11 victories. In all, the Pacers carried an 84-52 mark in singles play (.618 percentage) while boasting a 40-32 mark in league play (.556).

USC Aiken’s season got off to a quick start with a blanking of Clark Atlanta in the opener. In front of the home crowd, the squad swept through doubles play, with the closest match being 8-6. In singles action, nobody was forced to a third set and in only one match did any player have to play extra points in a set. Heading onto the road for the first time, the Pacers picked up a hard-fought 6-3 win over region foe Erskine. The team led 2-1 after doubles play and won four of the six singles matches, securing the victory. After a home loss, the squad quickly rebounded to win its next three matches. The team bested Coker by a 7-2 count before notching an 8-1 road win at Anderson. USC Aiken opened league play with a dominating 9-0 sweep of Georgia Southwestern on Feb. 20. Two matches later, the Pacers downed the Saints of Limestone easily, 8-1. The squad ran into a little bit of trouble, falling 6-3 to Francis Marion and on the road by an 8-1 score to Flagler. However, Dahm’s team showed its resiliency.

The doubles portion of each match kept head coach Steve Dahm’s team in each competition, allowing the team to flourish in singles play. Veskovac posted a team-best 13 wins in doubles matches while Tusiama accounted for 12. Habiyaremye garnered 11 wins while Giannaccini and Sarah Bernos each tied with 10 doubles victories.

2017 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis

USC Aiken cruised to a 9-0 victory over rival Augusta before taking down the Bearcats 7-2 in Greenwood, S.C. A home nonconference win over Alabama-Huntsville pushed the winning streak to three matches. The Pacers went on the road to defeat Belmont Abbey in a shutout before coming home to cage the Mountain Lions of Young Harris, 6-3. The five-match winning streak was snapped at eventual national champion Armstrong State. After a loss to Georgia College, USC Aiken pulled out a 5-4 road win at North Georgia. The team split its last two regular-season matches, losing 5-4 at Montevallo before crushing Clayton State 8-1. The win over the Lakers secured the No. 6 spot in the PBC Tournament for USC Aiken. In the tournament, the squad lost to Flagler before eliminating the Nighthawks 5-3. Although the team dropped the fifth-place match to the Patriots, the resume was good enough to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Pacers played tough, but were eliminated from postseason play by Flagler. The match was the last for senior Sarah Bernos. With virtually the entire team returning in 2017, Dahmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s squad will be one that should make a push for the upper echelon of the league and another berth in the NCAA Tournament.

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis

Record Book t1. t1. t3. t3. 5. t6. t6. t8. t8. t8.

Singles Wins In A Season Lane Matheny (2001) Alexis McCarty (1999) Young Boon Cantey (2000) Erica Echko (1999) Carrie Amsbaugh (1999) Erika Eles (2000) Alexis McCarty (2000) Rachelle Osmun (1999) Allison Rowe (1999) Elly Toth (2005)

21 21 20 20 19 18 18 17 17 17

1. 2. 3. 4. t5. t5. t7. t7. 9. 10.

Singles Wins In A Career Alexis McCarty (1999-02) Erica Eles (2000-03) Elly Toth (2004-07) Nicole Copp (2004-07) Otavio Bastos (2003-06) Brittany Telford (2007-10) Mayra Kaefer (2004-07) Rachelle Osmun (1999-02) Shauna Williams (2012-15) Dominique Cassetori (2003-06)

64 49 47 47 44 44 43 43 42 40

1. 2. 3. 4. t5. t5. t5. t8. t8. t8. t8.

Doubles Wins In A Season Young Boon Cantey (2000) Elly Toth (2005) Alexis McCarty (1999) Erica Echko (2000) Brittany Telford (2007) Rachelle Osmun (2000) Kerry Donovan (2005) Alexis McCarty (2000) Stacey McPherson (1998) Allison Rowe (1999) Otavia Bastos (2005)

21 19 18 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 15

1. 2. 3. t4. t4. 6. t7. t7. 9. t10. t10.

Doubles Wins In A Career Alexis McCarty (1999-02) Erika Eles (2000-03) Nicole Copp (2003-06) Dominique Cassetori (2003-06) Brittany Telford (2007-10) Maria Soledad Angel (2007-10) Otavia Bastos (2003-06) Stephanie Humphrey (2008-11) Elly Toth (2004-07) Roxanna Mazsa (1999-02) Mathilde Grenet (2007-10)

60 51 50 49 49 47 46 46 43 41 41

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis

1. t2. t2. t2. t2. t6. t6. t6. t6. 9 t10. t10. t10.

Wins By Doubles Teams Young Boon Cantey/Rachelle Osmun (2000) Erika Eles/Alexis McCarty (2000) Roxanna Mazsa/Alexis McCarty (2002) Kerry Donovan/Elly Toth (2005) Otavia Bastos/Nicole Copp (2005) Marla Angel/Stephanie Humphrey Mathilde Grenet/Elly Toth (2007) Dominique Cassetori/Mayra Kaefer (2006) Otavia Bastos/Nicole Copp (2006) Nadine Tusiama/Olivera Veskovac (2016) Marianne Blattes/Brittany Telford (2007) Marine Cannic/Elly Toth (2006) Mathilde Grenet/Brittany Telford (2009)

16 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 13 12 11 11 11

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Wins By Doubles Teams Otavia Bastos/Nicole Copp (2004-06) Maria Soledad Angel/Stephanie Humphrey (2009-10) Dominique Cassetori/Mayra Kaefer (2004-06) Erika Eles/Alexis McCarty (2000-01) Young Boon Cantey/Rachelle Osmun (1999-00) Roxanna Mazsa/Alexis McCarty (1999-02) Mathilde Grenet/Brittany Telford (2009-10) Kerry Donovan/Nicole Copp (2005) Nadine Tusiama/Shauna Williams (2014-15) Nadine Tusiama/Olivera Veskovac (2016)

33 26 24 21 20 19 15 14 13 12

2017 USC Aiken Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis