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University of Massachusets Athletics
Four Set To Join Women's Tennis In 2007-08
June 21, 2007 | Tennis
June 21, 2007
AMHERST, Mass. - On Thursday, women's tennis Head Coach Judy Dixon announced that four recruits have committed to UMass for the 2007-08 season. Candynce Boney (Las Vegas, Nev.), Kaitlyn Carpenter (Alburis, Penn.), Jenna Goldfine (Newton, Mass.), and Tanisha Hodgson (Aruba) will be attending UMass in the fall. The four incoming freshmen look to fill the hole left by departed senior Michele Spiess.
Boney is currently ranked in the top 100 in the USTA Junior National Rankings, coming in at #75. She has enjoyed unparalleled success at her high school in Las Vegas. She was named Rookie of the Year of her team in 2003, and team MVP in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Boney is a member of the Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club, receiving the Team Agassi Coach Award in 2006. She was the Sunrise Regional Doubles and Singles Champion. Boney was also named High School Champion and was on the team that finished as runner-up in Nevada. She played in Sectionals, Zonals, Nationals, Supernationals, and Fed Cup.
Coach Dixon expects Boney to fit in and contribute quickly. "Candynce is a very gifted athlete who has a bright future. She comes to UMass being tournament tough and ready to take on college team play."
Carpenter joins Kristin DiPiero as Minutewomen from the state of Pennsylvania. She played tennis in the Middle States Section, becoming District AA Singles Champion. Carpenter joins Boney in the USTA Junior National Rankings; she comes in at 125. She also was a Conference Finalist and All-Star. Carpenter came in third place in doubles in Pennsylvania, was ranked #7 for Girls 18's Sectional and #125 at the national level. She has played at numerous tournaments including International Tennis Federation, Orange Bowl, and Eddie Herr.
As Dixon said, being a lefty benefits the Minutewomen. "Another team lefty (along with Laura Murillo), she's an intense player with a lot of variety in her game."
Goldfine comes to UMass from nearby Newton, Mass. She played Supernational Tournaments and was selected Intersectional New England Team in the 14's and 16's. Some of her honors include: Boston Globe All-Scholastic Tennis Team in 2004 and 2005, Boston Herald All-Scholastic Team in 2005, ranked #2 in Girls 14's in New England, #2 in Girls 16's in New England, #83 in Girls 14's National, and #125 in Girls 16's National. Other notable honors include: winning a Gold medal at the USTA Zonal team championship, finishing as runner-up in New England Sectional Championships in the 16's, and winning USTA New England Hard Court Championships in the 16's.
Dixon knows she needs to be patient with Goldfine, but once she hits the courts, she will prove to be a difference maker. "Jenna has been out of competition for a year due to injury. We look to slowly work her into the lineup in both singles and doubles. She will be an immediate impact player."
Hodgson comes to UMass as the #1 ranked player in Aruba. She was runner-up in the Curacao Junior Open and is ranked #760 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF). She played in COTECC International Tournaments and in the Orange Bowl.
Dixon expects Hodgson to help the bottom end of the starting lineup. "Tanisha has a huge forehand for a weapon, and she is a good versatile player who will probably see action in the bottom third of the lineup."
With a talented group of recruits, the Minutewomen look to have tremendous balance in the lineup next season. As Dixon explained, "We will have an unusual amount of depth in the lineup now in both singles and doubles. This is probably the best recruiting class that we've ever had. This class gives us the next step up as we move towards our goal of top 100 (in the country)."