PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Rutgers women’s tennis head coach Hilary Ritchie announced the signing of Jelena Vico on Tuesday morning. Vico, a native of Etobicoke, Ontario, will join the team in the 2023 fall as a freshman.
“Jelena is going to be a terrific addition to our team,” said Ritchie. “She has a ton of natural power in her game. Her international competition experience is going to be an asset in Big Ten play.”
“I’ve chosen Rutgers as my university,” said Vico. “The main reason is the fantastic vibe I got from the tennis coaches, Hilary Ritchie and Hailey Barrett. They’re not just great at what they do, but they’re also incredibly welcoming and friendly. Joining their team is not just about tennis, but also about being a part of a supportive community.”
“Being around the girls on the team will help me grow as a player and a person,” Vico added. “Their sense of teamwork and encouragement is appealing. I’m excited about learning from my teammates and contributing to a positive team spirit.”
Vico has found success during her time competing on the ITF World Tennis Tour. In 2023, the incoming freshman competed in many events around the world, including tournaments in Guatemala, Canada, and Europe.
Vico earned her first-ever ITF title in 2022 at a J5 in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, something she considers to be one of her proudest moments. She then followed that up with another title in 2023, this time at a G4 in Santo Domingo.
Following her arrival ‘On The Banks’, Vico plans to study software engineering.
“Rutgers has a reputation for excellent academics, especially in software engineering, which I’m passionate about,” mentioned Vico. “The idea of learning from experienced professors here is exciting.”
Vico resides in Etobicoke, Ontario, with her father, Marko, and her mother, Biljana Potkonjak.
Vico attends Richview Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, Ontario, where she has been an honor student all throughout her years there. Aside from her academic success, she is also a member of the school’s Book Club, Leadership Club, and volleyball team.
When she arrives in Piscataway, Vico will aim to continue reaching her athletic and academic goals while being a part of Rutgers University.
“It’s not just about hitting the tennis courts, but also being a part of a supportive team and getting a…
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