IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine women's tennis head coach Elizabeth Ferris Smith announced two teams captains for the 2023-24 season.
Fifth year student athlete Jenna Schlatter and junior Kayla Meraz were selected to lead the 'Eaters. Schlatter was also a captain for the 2022-23 season.
"I'm so happy Jenna is returning for her fifth year and as a co-captain again for 2023-24," stated Ferris Smith. "She has such a strong desire to help this team grow and be successful through a lead by example mentality. She truly puts everything she has into all tasks and is respected by teammates and staff alike. I expect her to come in ready to go firing on all cylinders. Kayla has PAC-12 experience and has seen firsthand what it looks like to have success in all aspects of the team. I expect her to bring that experience and high-level energy to her teammates."
Schlatter enters her fifth season with seven overall singles wins in 2023, all at No. 1, and eight doubles wins.
"I'm extremely thrilled to be returning this year not only as a captain again but for my fifth and final year," noted Schlatter. "It has been super exciting for me to see the growth this team has possessed and I'm looking forward to leading this team once again! Being able to lead such a driven, hard working, competitive, fun team of girls has been one of the greatest pleasures I've experienced in my college career at UCI. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come back for my last year and to be surrounded by so much support and positivity throughout UCI Athletics. Furthermore, I can't wait to have our rising junior, Kayla, join me as a captain for the 2023-2024 year. She has been such a great addition to our team and I'm very excited for what's to come!"
Meraz will step onto the court for the Anteaters this upcoming season after transferring from the University of Arizona during the winter quarter.
"It's a great honor to be named captain," said the first-year junior captain. "I'm super excited about being able to compete with the team this season and be able to push the team to new levels. I look forward to this year and can't wait to see what we do!"
Ferris Smith remarked, "This is a team that has so much potential and is in an important growth stage I know our captains will help lead us to the success that we expect!"
