SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame women’s tennis program announced the signing of three freshman for next year. This incoming class features representatives from three Midwest states in Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Rylie Hanford, Akari Matsuno and Bojana Pozder will be coming to South Bend to begin their collegiate career next summer.
Hanford comes in as the second-ranked recruit out of the state of Ohio, a five-star rating and the 28th ranked player via Tennis Recruiting. A National Spring Team Champion, she also competed in the semifinals of doubles at the Orange Bowl tournament. Currently, Hanford is a captain for her school’s tennis program.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Rylie to our Notre Dame Family.” Silverio said, “Rylie is a superb student, athlete and person. Throughout the recruiting process she was very engaged, communicative and respectful. She has been surrounded by great coaches and a loving family that supports her goals and aspirations. She is an excellent addition to our program and our Notre Dame community!”
Off the court, Hanford is a member of student council, volunteers with Advantage Cleveland, a nonprofit organization in the intercity that helps children learn tennis, educate and wellness. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers around her community with Interact.
Matsuno is the top ranked prospect in Illinois, the No.2 nationally ranked prospect by the United States Tennis Association, No. 22 on Tennis Recruiting and has earned a Blue Chip rating. She has a National Level 1 tournament championship under her belt, and a National Level 2 win when competing at Hilton Head. She was the second-place finisher in National Doubles.
“Akari is an athletic player and will serve our program and culture in a very impactful way.” Stated Silverio, “She has had many successful experiences in life because of her work ethic, maturity and toughness. She comes from a hard-working and honest family that encourages her to do her best daily. We are confident she will honor our values and mission at Notre Dame. We are grateful to welcome Akari to our team and our Notre Dame family!”
She’s a member of the National Honor Society, while earning trustee’s honors at Hilton Head Prep all three years leading into her senior year.
Pozder will come to South Bend as the No. 2 ranked prospect from the state of Wisconsin. She earned a Blue Chip Rating and is No. 12 on Tennis Recruiting. This fall, she earned a spot in the quarterfinals of the Easter Bowl. The two-time Midwest Closed Champion, she was the 2018 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association state champion and a level three national champion. A Frank Parker Junior award recipient, she was named the 2019 Wisconsin Journal Sentinel girls tennis player of the year.
“Bojana has achieved success at the highest level as an athlete and student.” Silverio stated, “She will bring a wealth of experience and competitiveness to our program. Bojana never wavered with her consistent candor and excitement for Notre Dame. She has been raised on strong family values and trusts in hard work, determination and discipline. Bojana will have an immediate impact on our program on and off the court. Welcome to the Fighting Irish family!”
She’s a three-time honor roll student as she begins her senior year, and earned the President’s Awards program, in recognition of outstanding academic excellence. A volunteer at the Racine Community tennis association, she has been recognized by the National High School Tennis All-American Foundation.
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