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Long Beach State University Athletics
Beach Tennis Welcomes Three Newcomers in 2016 Signing Class
6/8/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Long Beach, Calif. - Long Beach State women's tennis has announced its incoming recruiting class for the 2016-17 season, and head coach Jenny Hilt-Costello will have a trio of new players on the Beach roster. Not unexpectedly, the group comes to Long Beach from across the globe, with one player Southern California and the others from Europe. The incoming class features Maren Helgo from Fjellhamar, Norway, Natalia Munoz from Santa Clarita, Calif. and Estee Widdershoven from Maaseik, Belgium.
"We extremely excited about the three freshmen who will be joining Beach Tennis this fall," Hilt-Costello said. "They are very motivated and driven young ladies on the court and in the classroom. Their experience and talent will bring some much needed depth to our lineup."
Helgo, who is currently ranked No. 1044 by the ITF (International Tennis Federation) brings extensive international playing experience to the Beach. The last two years, she has had tremendous success at the Norwegian Championships, winning the Under 18 singles title in 2014 and 2015. Helgo also won the U18 doubles championship in 2014.
At the senior level, Helgo won the doubles title alongside her sister in 2015, and she won the senior teams title in both 2014 and 2015. She also trained and competed in France for a year, recording several quality wins against top competition.
Munoz comes to Long Beach State from Hart High School in Santa Clarita, Calif. where she had a highly successful prep career. Munoz never lost a match in league play during her four years on varsity, going 120-0 in Foothill League play for the Indians. Overall, she had a 171-3 record in high school, winning the Foothill League title as a senior before advancing to the Round of 16 in the CIF-Southern Section Individual Championships.
Following her senior season, Munoz was named the 2015 All-Santa Clarita Valley Girls Tennis Singles Player of the Year by The Signal. She also ranks No. 26 in Southern California among players 18 and under. More than just an athlete, Munoz received the President's Award for academic success, and along with some of her high school classmates, helped create a sports medicine program at Hart.
Finally, Widdershoven comes to Long Beach from Belgium, where she is a nationally ranked competitor. Her highest ITF ranking is No. 704, and she has competed in numerous ITF tournaments. This summer, Widdershoven will compete for the Belgian National Team.
The Beach returns a strong and experienced senior class for the 2016-17 season, led by two-time Big West Player of the Year Maeva Razakasoa along with classmates Laura Eales, Julie Gerard and Hayley Thompson. Sophomore Antonella Santeusanio is the other returner for the 49ers.
Players Mentioned
