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University of Massachusets Athletics
Massachusetts Tennis Inks Three For 2025-26 Campaign
November 20, 2024 | Tennis
Chang Ao, Duru Baycan and Madara Markevica join the UMass tennis program in the fall of 2025.
AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts tennis and head coach Juancarlos Nunez announced the signing of Chang Ao, Duru Baycan and Madara Markevica to join the Minutewomen for the 2025-26 campaign.
"We are excited to welcome these three young women into our program," said Nunez. " Chang (Ao), Duru (Baycan) and Madara (Markevica) are three passionate and committed individuals that are going to have a big impact on our team on and off the court. We are eager to help them continue to grow and develop during their time at UMass and to see the ways in which they will contribute to our team. We can't wait to welcome them to our campus next fall."
Ao is a native of Qingdao, China, who has a Universal Tennis Rating of 8.98. Baycan, a Kocaeli, Turkey, native, holds a Universal Tennis Rating of 9.47, while Markevica hails from Riga, Latvia, with a Universal Tennis Rating of 9.02.
"I couldn't agree more with Coach Nunez," said assistant coach Hannah McColgan. " We are thrilled to welcome these three women to the UMass Tennis family. These student-athletes embody the values of hard work, passion and togetherness that make UMass tennis such a special place. Go UMass!"
Chang Ao
Qingdao, China
» Universal Tennis Rating: 8.98
» Holds an International Tennis Federation Junior ranking of 1409
» A Junior finalist and champion multiple times
» Defeated the #163 ranked player and a 10.34 UTR in the world during the summer of 2024 en route to a Quarterfinal finish at the J300 in Pancevo, Spain
Why UMass?
"I chose UMass because I'm seeking a college that offers a strong balance between academics and tennis. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to the team's success in 2025!"
Duru Baycan
Kocaeli, Turkey
» Universal Tennis Rating: 9.47
» Holds an International Tennis Federation Junior ranking of 486
» 2024 Champion of the J60 in Telavi, Georgia, in July
» 2024 Champion of the J60 in Istanbul, Turkey, in April
» Member of the Turkish National Team
» Won the 2024 Turkish Junior Championships
Why UMass?
"I chose UMass because it felt like the right place to balance academics and sports to me. I am excited to be there!"
Madara Markevica
Riga, Latvia
» Universal Tennis Rating: 9.02
» Holds an International Tennis Federation Junior ranking of 504
» Finalist at multiple ITF Junior events
» Was the 2024 Singles Champion of the J60 ITF event in Aizkraukle, Latvia
» A 2024 Doubles Champion of the J30 ITF in Siauliai, Lithuania
Why UMass?
"I chose UMass because I want to go to an amazing university and surround myself with inspiring and dedicated people. I believe that UMass is the perfect fit for me."
"We are excited to welcome these three young women into our program," said Nunez. " Chang (Ao), Duru (Baycan) and Madara (Markevica) are three passionate and committed individuals that are going to have a big impact on our team on and off the court. We are eager to help them continue to grow and develop during their time at UMass and to see the ways in which they will contribute to our team. We can't wait to welcome them to our campus next fall."
Ao is a native of Qingdao, China, who has a Universal Tennis Rating of 8.98. Baycan, a Kocaeli, Turkey, native, holds a Universal Tennis Rating of 9.47, while Markevica hails from Riga, Latvia, with a Universal Tennis Rating of 9.02.
"I couldn't agree more with Coach Nunez," said assistant coach Hannah McColgan. " We are thrilled to welcome these three women to the UMass Tennis family. These student-athletes embody the values of hard work, passion and togetherness that make UMass tennis such a special place. Go UMass!"
Chang Ao
Qingdao, China
» Universal Tennis Rating: 8.98
» Holds an International Tennis Federation Junior ranking of 1409
» A Junior finalist and champion multiple times
» Defeated the #163 ranked player and a 10.34 UTR in the world during the summer of 2024 en route to a Quarterfinal finish at the J300 in Pancevo, Spain
Why UMass?
"I chose UMass because I'm seeking a college that offers a strong balance between academics and tennis. I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to the team's success in 2025!"
Duru Baycan
Kocaeli, Turkey
» Universal Tennis Rating: 9.47
» Holds an International Tennis Federation Junior ranking of 486
» 2024 Champion of the J60 in Telavi, Georgia, in July
» 2024 Champion of the J60 in Istanbul, Turkey, in April
» Member of the Turkish National Team
» Won the 2024 Turkish Junior Championships
Why UMass?
"I chose UMass because it felt like the right place to balance academics and sports to me. I am excited to be there!"
Madara Markevica
Riga, Latvia
» Universal Tennis Rating: 9.02
» Holds an International Tennis Federation Junior ranking of 504
» Finalist at multiple ITF Junior events
» Was the 2024 Singles Champion of the J60 ITF event in Aizkraukle, Latvia
» A 2024 Doubles Champion of the J30 ITF in Siauliai, Lithuania
Why UMass?
"I chose UMass because I want to go to an amazing university and surround myself with inspiring and dedicated people. I believe that UMass is the perfect fit for me."
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