Rioux, unable to play at OSU

Payton Little Staff Reporter

After months of back and forth between the NCAA, the verdict finally arrived.

OSU tennis player

Lisa Marie Rioux was the anchor for last year’s squad. Her experienced leadership and level headed playing always added an attitude of subtle confidence to the Cowgirl roster. She finished the year ranked at No. 37 in singles play and as the No. 8 doubles team in the country.

After such a successful season, especially with doubles partner Ayumi Miyamoto, Rioux was looking to build off everything she accomplished in her previous years at OSU. However, the clock ran out.

For Rioux to obtain more eligibility, Chris Young, OSU’s women’s tennis coach, had to appeal to the NCAA proving her reasons for transferring from Mississippi State in 2017 were valid. Rioux needed to tell this story herself, as she had to write a letter making her case to the NCAA. Rioux continued to practice with OSU. During matches, she would help the team warm up the swings before matches, float around and offer advice to those playing.

As an international college athlete, Rioux has not been able to travel home often, especially with home 7,237 miles away in Okinawa, Japan. With a new stage of life unfolding soon, she’ll have the opportunity to experience a time in Japan that she has not known for years.

“Right now, I still miss home,” Rioux said. “I kind of want to spend time in Japan… I’m never home from February to May. I was always here (Stillwater), so I’m kind of excited.”

Her career has come to a close as Rioux finished with two AllAmerican doubles teams and capped out with career high finishes at No. 5 in doubles rankings and No. 37 in singles.

“I’m glad that I got to be a part of OSU,” Rioux said. “I really appreciate all the girls… It’s my strength. It’s a huge part of making me strong. Not just as a tennis player, but as a human.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Feb. 17 vs Missouri: 8 hits, 3 earned runs, 11 strikeouts, 3 walks

Feb. 18 vs Vanderbilt: 11 hits, 11 earned runs, 4 strikeouts, 3 walks

Feb. 19 vs Arkansas: 14 hits, 13 earned runs, 9 strikeouts, 10 walks

Feb. 21 vs California Baptist: 0 hits, 0 earned runs, 15 strikeouts, 1 walk