HAMMOND, La. – A pair of student-athletes will continue their academic and athletic endeavors as members of the Southeastern Louisiana women's tennis program beginning with the 2020-21 season, SLU head tennis coach Jason Hayes announced on Friday.
 
The newest Lions are Annemart Kleijn (Meppel, The Netherlands) and Ariadna Perez (Pamplona, Spain). Hayes believes the duo will be key additions for Southeastern moving forward.
 
"We're very excited about the additions of Annemart and Ariadna," Hayes commented. "Both are multi-sport athletes that have risen quickly in the rankings of their country. We believe their combination of great skill and positive attitude will have an immediate impact on the program. We're fortunate to have a great group returning and Annemart and Ariadna will definitely make us stronger."
 
Perez comes to Hammond after ranking in the top 30 in the Spain juniors. She won five tournaments in 2020, including the Navarra state championship. In 2018, she advanced to the quarterfinals of the U18 national doubles championships.
 
"I'm really happy to be part of the Southeastern women's tennis program." Perez said. "Since the moment I first talked to Coach Hayes, I knew I wanted to be a Lion. I look forward to having the opportunity to grow both as a person and a tennis player."
 
Kleijn has been as high as number 78 in the Dutch singles rankings and is currently No. 83 in the national doubles rankings. She is excited for her future as a Lion.
 
"I chose Southeastern because it is a good university," Kleijn said. "Being a member of the SLU tennis program will give me a chance to become my best self."
 
40 LOVE CLUB / S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the tennis program are encouraged to join the 40 Love Club. Lion tennis alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the 40 Love Club and S Club (tennis) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern tennis program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Tennis, follow @LionUpTennis on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.