USC Aiken Women’s Tennis 2016
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
1
Table of Contents 02 USC Aiken Info About the Conference About USC Aiken Meet the Staff
10 The Season Season Preview Team Photo Roster
12 The Coach Steve Dahm
14 The Players Seniors Juniors Sophomores Freshmen
24 The Archives 2015 Review Record Book
Quick Facts School Address City, State Founded Enrollment Nickname Colors Arena Capacity Affiliation Conference Chancellor Athletic Director Department Phone Ticket Office Phone
USC Aiken 471 University Parkway Aiken, S.C. 29801 1961 3,250 Pacers Cardinal, Navy, White Convocation Center 3,600 NCAA Division II Peach Belt Dr. Sandra Jordan Randy Warrick 803-641-3486 803-641-3486
Credits The 2016 Women’s Tennis media guide is a publication of the USC Aiken Sports Information office. It was written and edited by Brent C. Hager, Sports Information Director. Photography was provided by Scott Webster, Milledge Austin and CSI Photography. The guide was designed by Cody Keisler. A special thanks to head coach Jerry Snyder and Lindsey Jones for their assisstance with the publication.
2
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
The Peach Belt Conference The Peach Belt Conference is committed to providing, through its dependent collegiate members, a forum for student participation in athletic, academic and co-curricular events under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Division II. We will exemplify the characteristics of a premier intercollegiate conference that prides itself on the inclusion of students of all demographic groups who wish to participate in a well-rounded sports program. Our institutions, our academic goals, our athletic aspirations reflect a communality of purpose and a commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
3
This is USC Aiken
The University of South Carolina Aiken was chartered in 1961 after entering into an agreement with the University of South Carolina to establish a two-year center in Aiken. The Aiken Center opened its doors in September 1961 to 139 students. Temporarily housed in Banksia, a renovated mansion in Aiken, the Center consisted of three full-time faculty members (one of whom served as Director of the Center). In 1968, the Center underwent an institutional self-study and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as a branch of the University of South Carolina and as a junior college. The first associate degrees were awarded in June 1968. The campus of USC Aiken moved from Banksia to its present site in 1972 and physical changes began to occur rapidly. At first, the permanent campus consisted of 100 acres and one multipurpose building which housed all university operations. A library was completed in 1975, and additional land was donated that increased the campus to 144 acres. In October 1977, the Student Activities Center was opened. A classroom building was occupied in 1978, and one year later, an auxiliary services building was added. An apartment complex for students, Pacer Downs, was ready
4
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
for occupancy in the fall of 1984. More construction additions to the campus included completion of the Etherredge Center, Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the Business and Education Building, and the Alan B. Miller Nursing Building. Additional land was acquired increasing the campus to 400 acres. Academic and organizational changes also occurred rapidly. The faculty formalized its organizational structure and redefined its role in the governance of the institution in 1974-75. Also, the students reorganized their governing body and more precisely defined their role on campus; the administration and staff structures were overhauled and expanded to meet the demands of the growing academic programs. When the full-time equivalent student enrollment reached 1,066 in the fall of 1975, the USC Aiken campus was permitted to plan for senior level courses and to create a number of baccalaureate degree programs. In that same year, USCA received approval as a four-year branch campus by the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina, and USCA was designated a Recognized Candidate for Senior College Accreditation. In September 1976, the Board of Trustees granted academic autonomy to the Aiken Campus. The first bachelor’s degrees were granted in May 1977, and USCA became a fully
accredited senior college. Presently, the college community is comprised of more than 3,200 students, over 100 full-time faculty, approximately 110 staff members, and 28 administrators. USCA awards bachelor’s degrees in more than 20 major areas of study, master’s degrees in two areas, and offers a varied program of continuing education courses for the wider community. Today USC Aiken offers students a liberal education designed to develop an understanding of human experience which will equip them for life in a free society. To accomplish this, the University provides students with an opportunity to discover learning processes which enable them to grow personally and socially. It promotes students’ interaction within a community of active scholars and artists, and it encourages students to use the knowledge which they gain to deal with the problems of a rapidly changing world.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
5
Meet the Staff Dr. Sandra Jordan University Chancellor
Sandra J. Jordan, former provost and vice president for academic
Jordan’s appointment marks a return to the state where her
affairs at Georgia College & State University, was named
higher education career began. From 1986-1989, she was
chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2012.
an assistant professor of art history at Lander University and
Jordan became the fourth chancellor of USC Aiken, succeeding Thomas L. Hallman who retired after 12 years in the position. “I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system,” Jordan said. “USC Aiken’s mission, unwavering dedication to student success and vibrant partnerships with the community, make this an exceptional and exciting position. I am thrilled to accept this invitation to join the Pacers during this pivotal time in the history of the institution and I look forward to
director of the Monsanto Gallery of Art. Jordan earned her bachelor’s degree in art from the University of Alabama, and her doctorate in art history from the University of Georgia. She has also attended the Management Development Program at Harvard University’s Institute for Higher Education, the 21st Century Leadership Institute and was a summer fellow at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Higher Education Management. A student of leadership, she is often asked to mentor new leaders at the state and national level.
working closely with President Pastides, the USC Aiken faculty,
Jordan has been married for 30 years to Michael Jordan, an
staff and students as well as our alumni and friends to build upon
architect and graduate of Clemson University. They have a son,
the successes that defined this university’s first 50 years.”
Matthew, who is a doctoral student in electrical engineering at
I am tremendously honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve the campus, community and the University of South Carolina system.
6
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
Georgia Tech.
Randy Warick Athletic Director
Randy Warrick is in his 29th year as Director of Athletics at the
While earning his master’s degree, he served as a graduate
University of South Carolina Aiken. He was hired at USCA in
assistant baseball coach. In the same season, the team advanced
1978 as head baseball coach and intramural director and has
to the College World Series.
served many different duties during his tenure.
Warrick is a member of the College Athletic Management’s
While coaching baseball for 11 years, Warrick also served as an
Editorial Board, PBC Awards Committee, NCAA Division II
assistant basketball coach during the 1978-79 season and acting
AD’s Association Board of Directors, Greater Augusta Sports
golf coach in 1989-90.
Council Board, and is the most recent past chairman of the
As baseball coach, Warrick compiled a 392-146 record, while
NCAA Division II National Golf Committee.
earning various coaching awards. In 1986 his team advanced to
Warrick is married to Martha Blankenship Warrick of Augusta,
the College World Series, the highlight of his coaching career.
Ga. They have one son, Tripp, who graduated from USC Aiken.
Warrick was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. and attended Rocky
The Warrick family resides in North Augusta, S.C.
Mount High School. He was an All-Conference player in football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduation from high school, Warrick went to Louisburg Junior College where he played baseball for two years. In 1975, Warrick earned his Associate of Arts degree from Louisburg and was drafted by the Kansas City Royals, but decided to stay in school. Warrick then moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a two-year baseball scholarship. While at North Carolina he earned Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic honors two straight years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1977 and then his Master of Arts in Teaching in 1978.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
7
Tim Hall
Associate Athletic Director
Tim Hall is in his 25th year as a member of the USC Aiken
A 1990 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Hall
athletic department. Hall first joined the program in 1990 as a
received his Bachelor of Science in Sports Administration. In
graduate assistant. In 1993 he was hired on as the university’s
1992, he earned a Master’s in Student Personnel Services from
full-time NCAA Compliance Coordinator.
USC as well.
In August 1997, the Batesburg-Leesville native was promoted to
In his time at USC Aiken, Hall has been on a number of campus
Assistant Athletic Director.
committees including the first year academic advisor program
In September 2003, Hall was promoted again, this time to the
and the enrollment management action team in the strategic
position of Associate Athletic Director for Administration and
planning process.
External Services.
Hall is married to the former Jenny Fulmer and they have three
In this role, Hall oversees NCAA compliance and academic
sons, Jordan, Ethan and Wyatt.
support. In addition, he assists with home game administration and fundraising.
Angie Osbon
Assistant Athletic Director Angie Osbon is in her 16th year as a member of the USC Aiken
received her Master’s in Business Administration from the
athletic department. Osbon became the department’s business
University of South Carolina.
manager in 1999. Through the years she has earned a number
In 2002, Osbon was named student organization advisor of the
of other titles, including Senior Woman Administrator, Student Athlete Advisory Committee Advisor and Cheerleading, Mascot and Dance Team Director. In 2007, Osbon received the Outstanding Commitment to Student Development Award from the Office of Student Life. In September 2003, the Aiken, S.C., native was promoted to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Business and Student Services. Osbon earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC Aiken in 1992. In 1996, Osbon
8
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
year and was selected to the Who’s Who Among Cheerleading Coaches. In addition, she has been a member of the first year academic advisor program and a staff facilitator for orientation. The former Angie Mathis is married to Rick Osbon and they have three children, Reagan, Gemma and Sterling.
Brent Hager
Assistant Athletic Director
Brent C. Hager is in his third year as the Assistant Athletic
volleyball and men’s basketball. Hager spent two and a half years
Director for Communications/Sports Information Director at
at Gardner-Webb as the Assistant Sports Information Director
USC Aiken.
and handled 13 sports in his time there. He also spent two years
Hager comes to USC Aiken after serving as the Associate
at Virginia Tech as an intern in the sports information office
Commissioner for External Affairs at the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference where he handled the
where he handled all media requests for the nationally-ranked men’s soccer program and the school’s only national champion at
promotion of all 16 sports. During his time at the WVIAC Hager
the time. Hager got his start at UNC-Pembroke in 2002.
featured the league’s only two Division II National Champions
The Tallahassee, Fla., native attended Wingate University
and a National Player of the Year. In addition, he ran multiple
where he received a bachelors of science degree in business
championships and redesigned the WVIAC web site. Prior to
administration and sport management. He earned an MBA at
the WVIAC, Hager spent two years as the Director of Sports
UNC-Pembroke in 2004.
Information and Game Operations at Presbyterian College and was the primary contact for eight sports, including football,
Brandon Aiken
Assistant Athletic Director Brandon Aiken is in his 16th year as head athletic trainer and
Aiken also served as assistant and head athletic trainer at
17th overall at USC Aiken.
Hitchcock Rehabilitation Center in Aiken, S.C., for more
Aiken, a native of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., joined the USC Aiken
than three years. At Hitchcock, he worked with high school,
training staff in 1997 as a graduate assistant. He served in that
college, and professional athletes as well as general outpatient
capacity for three years until stepping into the head position in
rehabilitation.
2000.
Aiken guided the USC Aiken athletic training staff to back-to-
He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports
back (2007-08 and 2008-09) Peach Belt Conference Athletic
Medicine prior to the 2009-10 athletic year.
Training Staff of the Year awards.
A 1997 graduate of Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in
Aiken, who resides in Graniteville, is married to Malinda and the
Laurinburg, N.C., Aiken received his Bachelor of Science in
couple has a son, Liam.
Sports Medicine. Aiken is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
9
Team Preview Coming off a 9-12 season, the University of South Carolina Aiken women’s tennis team is primed and ready to make a run at not only making the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, but also earning a bid to the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament in 2016. Head coach Steve Dahm’s squad was off to a 6-2 record a season ago, but due to injuries he was forced to shuffle his line-up and put his players at positions they were competitive at, but unable to capture the team victory. “We are playing in the extremely tough Peach Belt Conference,” Dahm stated. “This is where our toughest competition will come from. However, we face several teams that have beaten us in the past so it will be a good test of where we are as a team. We also have an abundance of returning talent that should help us challenge for a spot in the postseason.” Senior Sarah Bernos returns to the line-up after registering seven singles victories and six doubles wins a season ago.
Marta Quereda is a native of Valencia, Spain and is a junior this season. “Marta brings a lot of experience to the team,” Dahm said. “She is one of the fastest players on the team and has quick feet. She has a good, heavy forehand.” Nadine Tusiama returns to the line-up after missing most of the 2015 campaign due to an injury. As a freshman, she was a second-team allconference performer. “Nadine is an outstanding player,” Dahm stated. “She is one of the best in the Peach Belt Conference when fully healthy. Nadine needs to build up her confidence and if things work out, she could be an all-conference selection.” Olivera Veskovac is coming off her first season with the Pacers that saw her record a team-high 14 singles wins and nine doubles victories.
“Sarah hits the ball harder than anyone on the team,” Dahm said. “It makes her dangerous against anyone. If she plays under control and stays positive, Sarah will have a very good year while playing in the top three spots.”
“Olivera might make the biggest jump from anyone last year,” Dahm mentioned. “She could potentially challenge Nadine for the top spot and will definitely be in the top half of the line-up. She is an aggressive base-liner, a good doubles player and competes well.”
Kayla Calvert had the second-most wins during her rookie campaign, totaling 11 singles victories and seven doubles wins.
Mariana Yamashita hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“Kayla is very tenacious,” Dahm stated. “She fights for every point. Kayla is a team captain and always plays the longest matches, which works out well because she is one of the fittest players on the team. She will see time in the middle of the starting line-up.” Kanishka Chawla hails from Pune, India, and could perform well during her freshman season. “Kanishka is coming off an illness in the fall,” Dahm said. “She plays a tricky game with a lot of spins and drop shots. Kanishka is a solid competitor. If she gets healthy and gains some more experience, she will add depth to the line-up.” Newcomer Victoria Giannaccini is from Jacarei, Brazil. “Victoria is a talented student-athlete,” Dahm stated. “She has a very good backhand and is one of the hardest workers heading into the season. Victoria will figure prominently in the middle of the line-up.”
“Mariana has a lot of potential,” Dahm stated. “If she can gain some experience, she will become even more confident, which will help her break into the line-up.” The Pacers open the slate at home against Clark Atlanta (Jan. 31). The squad plays seven of its first 10 matches in front of its home fans, which will give the team an added advantage. USC Aiken’s first road match is at Erskine (Feb. 4) and the team returns home for a tough battle against the reigning NAIA National Champion, Georgia Gwinnett (Feb. 5). Dahm’s squad hosts Coker (Feb. 7) before entering PBC play at North Georgia (Feb. 13). After a road match at Anderson (Feb. 17), the Pacers host four straight matches, including three against league foes. USC Aiken entertains Georgia Southwestern (Feb. 20), Columbus State (Feb. 21), Limestone (Feb. 27) and Francis Marion (Feb. 28) before hitting the road for the majority of the rest of the season.
Marie Aimee Habiyaremye is coming off an 18-win season, with eight coming on the singles side and 10 on the doubles portion of matches.
In March, the Pacers play at Flagler (March 5), at Queens (March 18) and Lander (March 20) before squaring off against Alabama-Huntsville in Augusta, Ga. (March 22).
“Marie is a Norfolk State transfer who does a great job constructing points,” Dahm said. “She has good top spin on both sides and is one of the best double players on the team. Marie will see time in the lower portion of the line-up.”
USC Aiken hosts the Jaguars March 26, but travels to Armstrong State (March 27) and Belmont Abbey (March 29) to round out the month’s competition.
Savannah Melonas hails from nearby Chapin H.S. A two-sport standout, Melonas was a three-time all-region honoree. “Savannah is constantly improving,” Dahm stated. “She is a hard worker and brings the team together. Savannah will add depth to the line-up.”
10
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
In April, the team closes out its home schedule with Young Harris (Apr. 2) and North Greenville (Apr. 4) before rounding out the regular season with road matches at Georgia College (Apr. 9), Montevallo (Apr. 16) and Clayton State (Apr. 17). The Pacers will begin postseason play Apr. 22 in Florence, S.C., for at Peach Belt Conference Tournament.
The Roster
Name Sarah Bernos Kayla Calvert Kanishka Chawla Victoria Giannaccini Marie Aimée Habiyaremye Savannah Melonas Marta Quereda Nadine Tusiama Olivera Veskovac Mariana Yamashita
Cl. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Fr.
Ht. 5-6 5-3 5-6 5-6 5-6 5-2 5-4 5-4 5-7 5-2
Hometown/Previous School Roz-sur-Couesnon / Lindsay Wilson Aiken, S.C. / South Aiken H.S. Pune, India / St. Mira’s Jacarei, Brazil / E.E. Pompilio Mercadante Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands / Norfolk State Chapin, S.C. / Chapin H.S. Valencia, Spain / Geneva, Switzerland / University of Geneva Belgrade, Serbia / XIV beogradska gimnazija Sao Paulo, Brazil / Colegio Bandeirantes
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
11
The Coach Steve Dahm Head Coach
Steven Dahm enters his 15th season at the helm of the USC
tallied all-academic team accolades.
Aiken Tennis program in the 2015-16 academic year.
The Pacer men completed the 2013 season 11-9 with a 4-6
His men’s teams have compiled a 162-132 record overall and a
record in Peach Belt Conference play. The men competed in the
Peach Belt Conference record of 34-90. The women’s teams have
NCAA Regional Tournament, falling to nationally eighth-ranked
combined for a 160-145 total record, going 53-98 in Peach belt
Columbus State in the regional.
play.
The Pacer women’s tennis team finished 2013 at 10-12, going
The Pacer men registered a 9-9 mark during the 2015 campaign
5-8 against Peach Belt opposition. Shauna Williams was named
and Ettore Damiani was named to the PBC all-conference team.
PBC Player of the Week on Feb. 19. The Pacers were ranked as
The USC Aiken women’s squad battled injuries throughout the
high as 44th nationally, but did not participate in the Regional
season but still managed a 9-12 record on the year with one of
Tournament.
the youngest teams in the region.
Dahm has led both teams to national rankings and to the NCAA
The USC Aiken men’s team garnered an 11-10 overall mark in
Tournament.
2014 and picked up a pair of wins in the conference en route
In the final ITA NCAA Division II men’s tennis rankings of
to a No. 33 national ranking. The squad reeled off five straight wins during the middle of the season and not only earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but advanced to the second round. Alejandro Andino, Damiani and Patrick Stiebinger earned all-conference honors while Stiebinger also picked up academic All-America honors. The USC Aiken women’s team notched a 13-10 overall record, including a 6-7 effort against conference competition during the 2014 season. The squad put together the most wins for the program since 2007 and had a four-match winning streak
2009, USC Aiken’s men’s tennis team concluded the 2009 season ranked a program-best fifth. USC Aiken, who received a bye into the semifinal round of the Savannah regional of the NCAA Division II Men’s Tennis Tournament, defeated No. 18 Francis Marion to advance to the regional final against No. 1 Armstrong Atlantic. The Pirates were able to claim the regional title, but the Pacers still concluded the year 19-5 overall. AASU went on to win its second straight national crown a couple weeks later.
en route to earning a spot in the PBC Tournament. The team
The Pacers as a team won 13 of their final 15 matches in 2009.
also finished ninth in the region. Nadine Tusiami earned
Three USC Aiken men’s tennis players were chosen to the 2009
all-conference honors while Franziska Regel and Margot Simon
NCAA Division II Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men’s
12
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
All-America team at the conclusion of the 2009 spring campaign. Bruno Seves was tabbed to the team as a singles player, while Dagoberto Darezzo and Edward Horne were selected to the team as a doubles tandem. Seves had become the program’s first ever All-America selection one year earlier in 2008. In 2010, USC Aiken once again had two players chosen to the ITA All-America team as Gregory Andrade and Juan Xavier Ponce were named All-Americans by virtue of ending the year ranked ninth nationally. A native of Kenmore, N.Y., Dahm came to USC Aiken from
Year Overall Record 2002 11-11 2003 6-9 2004 12-11 2005 15-11 2006 16-9 2007 13-11 2008 11-10 2009 12-10 2010 9-11 2011 10-10 2012 13-8 2013 10-12 2014 13-10 2015 9-12 Totals 160-145
Overall Pct. .500 .400 .522 .577 .640 .542 .524 .545 .450 .500 .619 .455 .565 .429 .525
PBC Record 2-8 0-7 3-7 4-6 3-6 4-7 4-6 3-6 4-8 4-8 7-5 5-8 6-7 4-9 53-98
PBC Pct. .200 .000 .300 .400 .333 .364 .400 .333 .333 .333 .583 .385 .462 .308 .351
Division I Furman University where he served as the assistant men’s coach for two seasons. Dahm has a strong foundation of coaching experience. He has spent time at the Van der Meer Tennis Center, the University of Rochester and the Country Club of Buffalo, where he was the head tennis professional for five summers. In collegiate play, Dahm was the number one singles and doubles player at the University of Buffalo. He was selected to the MidAmerican All-Conference team as well as the First-Team All-Star squad. While attending UB, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
13
The Players Sarah Bernos Quick Facts Class:
Sr.
Height:
5-6
Hometown:
Lindsay Wilson
Previous School:
Roz-sur-Couesnon
Bio 2015: Recorded seven singles wins and six doubles victories on the year … Recorded a pair of wins in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Garnered a three-set victory at the No. 2 spot against Queens … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 2 doubles and No. 2 singles … Part of the winning doubles team in the victory over Benedict … Picked up a pair of wins, coming at the No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles spots in the victory at North Greenville … Registered a 6-3, 6-1 win at the No. 3 singles position against Anderson … Picked up a 6-1, 6-4 win at the No. 2 singles spot in the victory over Montevallo … Recorded a 6-1, 6-2 victory at the No. 1 singles position and was part of the 8-2 doubles win at No. 1 in the sweep of UNC Pembroke. Previous School: Attended Lindsey Wilson College ... Went 7-5 in 2014, including a 3-1 mark at No. 1 and 4-1 record at the No. 2 spot ... Posted a 12-5 mark in doubles action, including a 7-0 record against conference foes ... Was 14-7 in doubles action at the No. 1 position as a freshman. Previous School: Attended Notre dame de kerbertrand. Personal: Sarah Bernos was born on Jan. 7, 1993 in Saint Malo, France ... Has two siblings, an older brother and a younger sister ... Majoring in psychology.
14
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
Marie Aimée Habiyaremye Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Height:
5-6
Hometown:
Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands
Previous School:
Norfolk State
Bio 2015: Accounted for eight singles victories and led the team with 10 doubles wins for the season …Part of a winning No. 3 doubles team and posted a straight-set win at No. 6 singles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the winning No. 3 doubles team in the win over North Georgia … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the victory over Benedict … Registered a win at No. 3 doubles and at No. 6 singles in the victory over Erskine … Tallied a pair of wins at Pfeiffer, picking up a victory at No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles tandem at Francis Marion … Picked up a pair of wins, coming at the No. 3 doubles spot and No. 5 singles position in the victory at North Greenville … Won a 6-3, 6-1 match at the No. 5 singles position in the victory over Montevallo … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team at the No. 2 spot, taking an 8-5 win against Clayton State … Picked up a pair of wins, including an 8-5 victory at No. 2 doubles and a three-set victory at No. 5 singles in the sweep of UNC Pembroke. Previous School: Attended Norfolk State. High School: Attended Koning Willem II College. Personal: Marie Aimée Habiyaremye was born Feb. 11, 1995 in Nairobi, Kenya ... Daughter of Adrien Habiyaremye and Marie Grace Mukaperezida ... Has three older brothers, Arsene, Davy and Serge ... Majoring in sociology.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
15
Marta Quereda Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Height:
5-4
Hometown:
Valencia, Spain
Bio Personal: Marta Quereda was born Dec. 29, 1995 in Valencia, Spain ... Daughter of Antonio and Inmaculada ... Has a younger brother ... Majoring in business marketing.
16
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
Nadine Tusiama Quick Facts Class:
Jr.
Height:
5-4
Hometown:
Geneva, Switzerland
Previous School:
Geneva
Bio 2015: Missed most of the year due to an injury … Picked up six singles wins and five doubles victories for the season … Recorded a straight-set win at No. 1 singles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team in the win over North Georgia … Won the No. 1 singles match against North Georgia … Posted a three-set victory at the No. 1 singles spot against Queens … Garnered victories at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the victory over Benedict … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team in the victory over Erskine. 2014: Second-team all-conference performer … Posted a team-best 16 singles wins and was part of a team-high 13 doubles victories … Part of the winning No. 1 doubles team and was a straight set winner at No. 2 singles in the victory over Belmont Abbey … Notched an 8-6 win at No. 1 doubles and a 6-0, 6-2 win at No. 2 doubles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the doubles tandem that won No. 2 doubles 8-6 over UNC Pembroke … Won the singles match over the Braves at No. 2 by a 6-4, 7-6 count … Went 2-0 at Anderson, winning in straight sets for the No. 2 singles spot and was part of the No. 2 doubles tandem … Notched a three-set win at No. 2 at Montevallo … Went 2-0, garnering a victory at No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles in the upset of No. 46 Clayton State … Posted wins at the No. 1 singles spot and was part of the No. 2 doubles team that won at Erskine … Posted a 6-2, 6-2 victory at No. 1 singles against Pfeiffer … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles team in the victory over Georgia Southwestern … Notched a straight-set victory against the Hurricanes at No. 1 singles … Posted a straight-set victory at No. 2 against GRU Augusta … Tallied a straight-set win at No. 1 singles over Limestone … Garnered two wins over Lander, with one coming at No. 2 doubles and the other at the No. 1 singles spot … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles squad at Queens ... Earned a 6-4, 7-6, win at the No. 2 singles position against Francis Marion … Went 2-0 against Young Harris, claiming a win at No. 1 doubles and a three-set win at No. 1 singles … Won 6-2, 6-3 at No. 1 singles against North Georgia. Personal: Nadie Tusiama was born Jan. 21, 1993 in Geneva ... Daughter of Beremie and Yala Tusiama.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
17
Kayla Calvert Quick Facts Class:
So.
Height:
5-3
Hometown:
Aiken, S.C.
Previous School:
South Aiken H.S.
Bio 2015: Second on the team with 11 singles wins while adding seven doubles victories for the season … Teamed up with Sarah Bernos for a doubles victory at No. 2 while notching a singles win at No. 5 in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Registered a 6-3, 6-3 victory at the No. 5 doubles spot in the win over North Georgia … Picked up a pair of wins at Coker, teaming up for a doubles win at No. 2 before besting her opponent at No. 5 singles in the win over the Cobras … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 2 doubles and No. 4 singles … Picked up a pair of wins without losing a game in the victory over Benedict … Won a three-set match at the No. 4 spot in the victory over Erskine … Registered a pair of wins, coming at the No. 2 doubles position and No. 4 singles spot in the victory at North Greenville … Won a three-set thriller at the No. 4 singles position against Anderson … Won a pair of matches, coming with a win at No. 3 doubles and No. 4 singles in the victory over Montevallo … Garnered a 5-7, 6-4, 10-2 win at the No. 4 singles spot against Clayton State … Registered a pair of victories at UNC Pembroke, including an 8-6 doubles win at a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the No. 4 singles spot in the sweep of UNC Pembroke. High School: Attended Aiken H.S. ... Also played soccer and tennis ... Region Player of the Year in tennis and finished in the top eight at the state championships ... Scholar-athlete award winner ... Wendy’s Heisman finalist ... Won the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award. Personal: Kayla Grace Calvert was born August 8, 1996 … Daughter of Mark Calvert and Kristen Burns ... Has three siblings, Spenser, Zach and Jonathan ... Majoring in nursing.
18
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
Savannah Melonas Quick Facts Class:
So.
Height:
5-2
Hometown:
Chapin, S.C.
Previous School:
Chapin H.S.
Bio High School: Attended Chapin H.S. ... Two-sport standout ... Three-time all-region honoree ... Captained the team her senior campaign ... Guided her team to the upper-state championship in soccer as a senior ... Golden Ruler award-winner her senior season. Personal: Savannah Elizabeth Melonas was born January 4, 1996 in Lexington, S.C. ... Daughter of George and Cindy Melonas ... Has an older brother, Stephen ... Majoring in nursing.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
19
Olivera Veskovac Quick Facts Class:
So.
Height:
5-7
Hometown:
Belgrade, Serbia
Previous School:
XIV beogradska gimnazija
Bio 2015: Led the team with 14 singles victories and was part of nine doubles wins for the season … Part of a winning No. 3 doubles team and posted a straight-set win at No. 4 singles in the victory over Clark Atlanta … Part of the winning No. 3 doubles team in the win over North Georgia … Garnered a three-set win at the No. 4 singles spot in the victory over North Georgia … Posted a 6-1, 6-3 victory at No. 4 singles in the win at Coker … Went 2-0 at Georgia Southwestern, winning No. 3 doubles and No. 5 singles … Picked up a pair of wins in the victory over Benedict … Registered two wins in the victory over Erskine, taking the No. 5 singles match while teaming up for a victory at No. 3 doubles … Earned a three-set win at No. 4 singles and was part of the winning No.3 doubles squad at Pfeiffer … Garnered a victory at the No. 4 singles position against No. 35 Lander … Part of the winning No. 2 doubles tandem at Francis Marion … Notched a 6-1, 6-0 victory as the No. 3 player at Young Harris … Picked up a pair of wins, coming at the No. 1 doubles spot and the No. 2 singles position in the victory at North Greenville … Posted a 6-1, 6-2 victory at the No. 3 spot in the victory over Montevallo … Garnered a 4-6, 6-1, 10-2 win at the No. 3 singles position against Clayton State … Tallied a 6-2, 6-3 victory at the No. 3 spot against GRU Augusta … Picked up a pair of wins, including an 8-2 victory at No. 1 doubles and a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 3 singles in the sweep of UNC Pembroke.
20
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
Kanishka Chawla Quick Facts Class:
Fr.
Height:
5-6
Hometown:
Pune, India
Previous School:
St. Mira’s
Bio High School: Attended St. Mira’s. Personal: Kanishak Chawla was born Dec. 15, 1997 in Pune, Maharashtra, India ... Daughter of Juhi and Narendra ... Majoring in psychology.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
21
Victoria Giannaccini Quick Facts Class:
Fr.
Height:
5-6
Hometown:
Jacarei, Brazil
Previous School:
E.E. Pompilio Mercadante
Bio High School: Attended E.E. Pompilio Mercadante Personal: Victoria Rodrigues Giannaccini was born Jan. 24, 1997 in Sao Jose Dos Campos, Sao Paulo ... Daughter of Marcia Rodrigues Giannaccini and Sidney Giannaccini ... Has two brothers ... Majoring in business.
22
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
Mariana Yamashita Quick Facts Class:
Fr.
Height:
5-2
Hometown:
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Previous School:
Colegio Bandeirantes
Bio High School: Attended Colegia Bandeirantes ... Two-time champion of intercollegiate indoor soccer ... Named the Female Student-Athlete of the Year as a freshman ... Entered the women’s soccer indoor Hall of Fame after her sophomore season. Personal: Mariana Miyuki Yamashita was born Sept. 23, 1995 in Sao Paulo, Brazil ... Daughter of Alberto and Regina Yamashita ... Has a younger brother, Bruno, who plays tennis for William Wood University ... Majoring in biology.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
23
2015 Review The University of South Carolina Aiken women’s team fell just short of reaching the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. However, the team was on par with just about everyone in the region before injuries forced student-athletes to play out of position. Despite the injuries, head coach Steve Dahm’s team fought hard in every match. The Pacers wrapped up the 2015 season with a 9-12 record, including a 4-9 ledger against PBC competition. USC Aiken opened the season with a victory at Clark Atlanta on Jan. 30 by an 8-1 score. The squad’s only loss was at the No. 1 doubles position. The team’s lone three-set match in singles play came as No. 2 Sarah Bernos downed her opposition. Other than that, the young Pacers took care of their opponents with little trouble. Dahm’s team continued to remain unbeaten as it posted a 6-3 win over North Georgia in its first home match. The squad won two doubles matches and tangled with UNG in singles action as the teams had four three-set matches, with each winning two. After a loss to Queens, the Pacers regrouped and won a 6-3 decision at Coker. The first shutout by USC Aiken came at Georgia Southwestern as the Pacers recorded a 9-0 win. The team was never seriously challenged and only twice did singles matches get pushed to extra points.
24
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
The team closed out February with wins against Benedict and Erskine. Against Benedict, the Pacers had two shutouts in doubles play and two more in singles action as Kayla Calvert and Oliver Veskovac breezed to wins. Against the Flying Fleet, USC Aiken won the match 5-4, but top-seeded Nadine Tusiama was forced to retire due to an injury, which ended up costing her the rest of the season. Due to her injury, the rest of the team was forced to play up a spot and it changed the dynamic of the doubles teams. Ranked No. 48, the Pacers suffered a loss to Pfeiffer without Tusiama. The squad continued to fight hard, pushing No. 30 Francis Marion to the brink. Despite the 6-4 loss, Dahm’s squad dropped a pair of three-set matches that would have given the Pacers the win. After dropping five straight without Tusiama, USC Aiken rebounded with an 8-1 victory on the road against North Greenville. The team swept all three of its doubles matches and picked up five wins in singles play.
The Pacers lost two more before bouncing back to defeat Montevallo. USC Aiken fell behind 2-1 after doubles play as the only tandem to pick up a point was Calvert and Sabrina Tam, who won an 8-2 decision at the No. 3 spot. However, Dahm ignited his team prior to singles action and the squad rebounded by picking up five victories – and the lone loss was due to a student-athlete that retired. Bernos recorded a win at the No. 2 spot (6-1, 6-4) while Veskovac cruised to her win (6-1, 6-2). Calvert won at the No. 4 position (3-0, retired) while Marie Aimee Habiyaremye won at the No. 5 slot (6-3, 6-1). The lone three-set match against the Falcons came as Tam bounced back from a 6-1 loss in the first set with scores of 6-4, 10-6, to take the No. 6 victory. The last win of the season came at UNC Pembroke. The Pacers squared off against the Braves and won by a 9-0 count. The team had just one three-set match, but Habiyaremye won the contest with ease in the third set. Habiyaremye won a team-best 10 doubles matches, including five against league foes. Veskovac trailed her by only one and Shauna Williams totaled eight doubles wins.
In singles action, Veskovac registered a team-high 14 victories. Calvert and Williams each posted 11 wins, despite several coming at a higher spot than what they originally were to play due to Tusiama’s injury. Tusiama was 6-2 in singles action before suffering her injury. Williams concluded her career with 42 singles wins, which is ninth most in school history. She and Tusiama conbined for 13 doubles wins in just over a year, which is the ninth most in USC Aiken history. With only three seniors departing from the 2015 team, Dahm’s looking forward to having his entire line-up healthy and challenging for a berth in the postseason in 2016.
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
25
Record Book t1. t1. t3. t3. 5. t6. t6. t8. t8. t8.
Singles Wins In A Season Lane Matheny (2001) Alexis McCarty (1999) Young Boon Cantey (2000) Erica Echko (1999) Carrie Amsbaugh (1999) Erika Eles (2000) Alexis McCarty (2000) Rachelle Osmun (1999) Allison Rowe (1999) Elly Toth (2005)
21 21 20 20 19 18 18 17 17 17
1. 2. 3. 4. t5. t5. t7. t7. 9. 10.
Singles Wins In A Career Alexis McCarty (1999-02) Erica Eles (2000-03) Elly Toth (2004-07) Nicole Copp (2004-07) Otavio Bastos (2003-06) Brittany Telford (2007-10) Mayra Kaefer (2004-07) Rachelle Osmun (1999-02) Shauna Williams (2012-15) Dominique Cassetori (2003-06)
64 49 47 47 44 44 43 43 42 40
1. 2. 3. 4. t5. t5. t5. t8. t8. t8. t8.
Doubles Wins In A Season Young Boon Cantey (2000) Elly Toth (2005) Alexis McCarty (1999) Erica Echko (2000) Brittany Telford (2007) Rachelle Osmun (2000) Kerry Donovan (2005) Alexis McCarty (2000) Stacey McPherson (1998) Allison Rowe (1999) Otavia Bastos (2005)
21 19 18 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 15
1. 2. 3. t4. t4. 6. t7. t7. 9. t10. t10.
Doubles Wins In A Career Alexis McCarty (1999-02) Erika Eles (2000-03) Nicole Copp (2003-06) Dominique Cassetori (2003-06) Brittany Telford (2007-10) Maria Soledad Angel (2007-10) Otavia Bastos (2003-06) Stephanie Humphrey (2008-11) Elly Toth (2004-07) Roxanna Mazsa (1999-02) Mathilde Grenet (2007-10)
60 51 50 49 49 47 46 46 43 41 41
1. t2. t2. t2. t2. t6. t6. t6. t6. t9. t9. t9.
Wins By Doubles Teams Young Boon Cantey/Rachelle Osmun (2000) Erika Eles/Alexis McCarty (2000) Roxanna Mazsa/Alexis McCarty (2002) Kerry Donovan/Elly Toth (2005) Otavia Bastos/Nicole Copp (2005) Marla Angel/Stephanie Humphrey Mathilde Grenet/Elly Toth (2007) Dominique Cassetori/Mayra Kaefer (2006) Otavia Bastos/Nicole Copp (2006) Marianne Blattes/Brittany Telford (2007) Marine Cannic/Elly Toth (2006) Mathilde Grenet/Brittany Telford (2009)
16 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 13 11 11 11
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Wins By Doubles Teams Otavia Bastos/Nicole Copp (2004-06) Maria Soledad Angel/Stephanie Humphrey (2009-10) Dominique Cassetori/Mayra Kaefer (2004-06) Erika Eles/Alexis McCarty (2000-01) Young Boon Cantey/Rachelle Osmun (1999-00) Roxanna Mazsa/Alexis McCarty (1999-02) Mathilde Grenet/Brittany Telford (2009-10) Kerry Donovan/Nicole Copp (2005) Nadine Tusiama/Shauna Williams (2014-15) Dominique Cassetori/Elly Toth (2004-05)
33 26 24 21 20 19 15 14 13 11
26
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis
27
28
2016 USC Aiken Women’s Tennis