Sept. 30, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--For the first time in program history, Memphis women's tennis will have representatives at the fall national tennis championships. Sophomore Courtney Collins and freshman Stefanie Mikesz will travel west on Thursday to Pacific Palisades, Calif., for the 2010 Riviera/Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American Championships.

"It's a huge milestone for our program," Head coach Lee Taylor Walker said. "And being selected for All-Americans is a reflection of how hard Courtney has worked the past year."

Collins, a native of Fulton, Miss., received a bid to compete in the Pre-qualifying Singles draw and will also compete with Mikesz, of Bardowick, Germany, in Pre-qualifying Doubles.

"They have the physical skills to win," Coach Walker said. "It will just be a matter of how mentally tough and emotionally comfortable they will be with the environment."

Pre-qualifying matches will be Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 2-3 at UCLA and players must win three rounds to advance to the Qualifying draw.

"Hopefully I can get over the nerves of having to play higher ranked players," Collins said. "I want to train myself to get over it and get used to it."

In her opening singles match, Collins will face Lilly Kimbell of the University of Georgia. Match times are expected be released later on Thursday.

"Regardless what happens," Coach Walker added, "We will have fun and get better."