NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State women's tennis coach Maja Kovacek has announced that the duo of Othilia Brodin and Tijana Zlatanovic have signed their National Letters of Intent to play at Illinois beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
"I'm really excited about Othilia and Tijana joining the Redbird family," Kovacek stated. "I've had a great feeling about them since our first conversation. They are both hard-working and extremely motivated to be a part of a successful program and contribute both on the court and academically. Othilia has a great attitude and is eager to compete. Coming from Sweden, she won't need time to adjust to indoor hardcourt tennis and will improve quickly. Tijana is an experienced competitor and has a big game. She will make an immediate impact in our lineup."
Othilia Brodin // Taftea, Sweden
• No. 10 career-high ranking in her age group in Sweden … current ranking No. 14
• Silver medal in doubles at Swedish national championship
Brodin on choosing Illinois State: "I chose Illinois State, because I got an incredible welcoming feeling after only speaking to coach Maja a few times. I also think this is the best place for me to develop as a tennis player and a person. I'm looking forward to the Fall of 2020."
Tijana Zlatanovic // Salzburg, Austria
• No. 8 career-high ranking in Austria women's category … current ranking No. 10
• Won ITF G5 Doubles title last month
• Austrian national champion in doubles women's category and under 18
Zlatanovic on getting the opportunity to play collegiate tennis: "Since my goal has been to play college tennis for many years now, I have been looking for a University where I can have a good education and improve my tennis at the same time. I got the opportunity to meet Coach before I committed to any college. I had a positive feeling that I will feel very welcomed and that this is the perfect place to develop as a player and get a good degree. I am really excited and looking forward to be a part of the team in the Fall of 2020."
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