Nov. 19, 2003

Illinois Head Women's Tennis Coach Sujay Lama today unveiled his list of young women who will join the squad next fall as freshmen. Momei Qu, Macall Harkins, and Anastasia Sokolova have all made their commitment to study and play tennis at Illinois official by signing national letters of intent.

"We are really excited about this class," said Lama. "They are outstanding tennis players and also exceptional students. This group is very dynamic and driven to take our program to the next level. We cannot wait to have them on board next fall."

Momei Qu comes from Portland, Ore., and attends Wilson High School. Qu's junior ranking has reached as high as No. 23 nationally; she is currently the top-ranked player in the Northwest. Her membership in the Harvard Club of Oregon and the National Honor Society attest to her classroom accomplishments, as does her listing in Who's Who Among American High School Students.

"Momei is a tenacious competitor," said Lama. "She has exceptional hands and great speed on the court. She is very focused about her academic and tennis goals, and has the work ethic to back it up."

Macall Harkins lives in Silver Springs, Calif., and attends Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where she has been instrumental in the tennis team's extraordinary success. Peninsula has been ranked No. 1 in the nation in 2000, 2001, and 2003, during which the team recorded 112 straight wins. In 2002, Harkins was named the Peninsula's. most valuable player.

"She is a six-foot tall, left handed, serve-and-volley player," said Lama. "She has major weapons and her style of play will take her a long way in college. She will really blossom in our system, and she will benefit from the experiences of (Assistant) Coach (JoAnne) Russell, who had so much success with a similar style at the pro level."

Anastasia Sokolova currently attends East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, Fla. One of the top junior players in Russia until she moved to the U.S. in October of 2000, she is now one of the top young talents in Florida. Like Qu, she is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Anastasia is a power player with a huge backhand and forehand," said Lama. "She has an explosive serve and the ability to dictate a point from the beginning. She is a very aggressive player."

Dolan, Sokolova and Qu will replace seniors Jennifer McGaffigan, Tiffany Eklov and Eva Choe, who will be completing their eligibility next semester.