The Illinois State womens tennis team welcomes Carolyne Parent and Vronique Parke-Bdard to its line-up beginning with the 2004-2005 season. Head coach Chris Hoover is excited about the two additions, citing both student-athletes as good picks for the Redbirds.
Parke-Bdard is a native of Qubec, Canada, and attended high school at Cardinal-Roy. She has enjoyed a stellar tennis career in Canada, and has competed in one pro tournament. Hoover describes Parke-Bdard as a prototypical Illinois State recruit.
Vronique is a very well-rounded athlete, said Hoover. She has a good tennis IQ, and shes a good student in the classroom. Shes has a shot at going to nationals this year in Canada and Im excited to add her to our roster.
Parke-Bdard plans to attend Illinois State as a general student.
Parent hails from St-Tean Sur Richelieu, Quebec, where she attended high school at Armand Racicot. Parent has also had a successful tennis career thus far, and has toured the United States playing tennis. Hoover is impressed with Parent for different reasons, and excited about her decision to attend Illinois State, as well.
Carolyne is just a really good athlete, said Hoover. Shes got the athleticism it takes to be successful at this level, and shes developed a nice tennis game.
I feel really good about both of these athletes, Hoover continued. Ill probably mix it up and have them play right away. Both of them are ranked in the top 10 in Quebec, and thats impressive because Quebec is one of the toughest tennis spots anywhere. My goal by adding these two players is to reload this team, I dont want to rebuild, I want to reload. And hopefully adding the two of them will accomplish that.
