Panchenko to Compete for the Lady Flames
11/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
With the 2015 spring season just around the corner, Liberty Women's Tennis Head Coach Jeff Maren has announced the signing of Aleksandra Panchenko to a National Letter of Intent. Panchenko will enroll at Liberty for the 2015-16 academic year.
A native of Moscow, Russia, Panchenko has been playing tennis since the age of five. She has trained at the most prestigious academies in Russia, Spartak and Luzhniki, where players such as Anna Kournikova, Marat Safin and Dinara Safina have trained. Panchenko was ranked as high as No. 2 in Russia before moving to Florida to begin training at the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton. Since moving to Florida, Panchenko has been taught by some of the most highly sought after coaches in America, including Harold Solomon, Andi Brandi, John Evert, Chris Evert and Robert Wojcik. Panchenko has competed in America's top international tournaments, such as The Eddie Herr, Orange Bowl and the Prince Cup.
Panchenko on Signing with Liberty:
"I'm very excited to join the Liberty University women's tennis team. I love how the coaches and other staff create a family-like atmosphere for the girls, helping them to further develop as both athletes and students. I believe that Liberty will be the perfect place for me to transition my game and start a new beginning as a college student."
Maren on Signing Panchenko:
"Aleksandra will be a great addition to our program. She possesses a fearless attitude on the court and a great arsenal of weapons. In addition, she is an outstanding person who will blend perfectly into our team. We couldn't be more excited to welcome her to Liberty."
What Panchenko's Coaches Have to Say:
Coach Brent Wellman, father of Liberty senior tennis player Nicola Wellman believes Aleksandra to be a special player. "Aleksandra brings a strong work ethic and a lot of God-given talent as well as a conscientious mental toughness." Coach Wellman continues to state that, "Panchenko is an honor student-athlete with a genuine sweet character. Coach Maren will be adding a strong and special player with her signing."
Robert Wojcik, Director of Tennis at the Delray Competitive Tennis Academy states that "Panchenko is a very intelligent player with a great sense for the game. When she is on the court she means ‘business', and possesses a lot of experience and maturity despite her age." Wojcik further states that "Panchenko is very professional both on and off the court and will make a significant impact on the Liberty squad."
