SANTIAGO, Chile — Arina Valitova of the Rutgers women’s tennis team is set to represent Saint Kitts and Nevis at the 2023 Pan American games being held from Oct. 20-Nov. 5 in Santiago, Chile.
“I am very happy and proud to represent Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Pan American Games,” said Valitova. “I want to say a big thanks to the Olympic Committee for this opportunity. The Olympic Committee of Saint Kitts and Nevis helps me and athletes of the country a lot in development and athletic growth.”
The Pan American games is the largest multi-sport event in the Americas, where the best athletes from across the continent compete. The event is held every four years and for the first time ever, Chile will be the host country.
This year’s event will not be Valitova’s first experience competing in a Pan American competition. The sophomore represented Saint Kitts and Nevis at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games in Cali and Valle, Colombia.
With that experience under her belt, Valitova understands she is in for an exciting opportunity to compete in Chile.
“The atmosphere of the Pan American Games is unique,” said Valitova. “It’s a magical combination of rivalry and friendship between athletes, and a way to receive support from people with whom you compete against.”
For Rutgers, Valitova has competed in 13 total matches this fall, seven doubles and six singles. The sophomore has earned three doubles wins with partners Daira Cardenas and Naomi Karki. She has also recorded three singles wins.
During her freshman campaign in 2022-23, Valitova recorded 21 total wins, 11 doubles and 10 singles. In singles play, she opened the spring on a five-match win streak, and earned a straight-sets victory over No. 58 Iowa on April 14.
“I also think it’s important to say how grateful I am to Rutgers Athletics, my coaches, and my teammates. Thanks to them, I have gained invaluable skills in both playing and working with a team. Without my coaches and teammates, there would not have been progress in my game that allowed me to represent my country at the Pan American Games,” Valitova concluded.
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