First to win regional title
Moving to America from Germany to pursue her career in tennis, winning a championship and regional title was only the start of Alessa Maier’s success.
A foreign exchange student, Maier showed her skills and represented the Javelina Tennis team as she recently claimed a regional title at the ITA Regional Championships.
Maier is the first Javelina in history to claim a regional title in tennis.
“This definitely raised the bar on what we’re looking for in our future players, when you achieve something like this as a program it lets you know how far you can go.
When you see someone like Alessa reach a regional goal like this it lets you know that we can achieve anything,” Head Coach Autum Wollenzien said.
Tennis has always been a major factor in Maier’s life.
She shows up to practice every day with the same grit and drive to be the best teammate and athlete she can be for her team.
“She’s brought some very competitive energy; she’s a hard worker, and very determined. She brings a lot of focus especially when it comes to practice,” Coach Wollenzien said.
“She loves playing tennis and it shows in the way she plays. She is one of the best athletes I’ve ever had.”
Maier not only has shown her love for tennis on the court but also off the court.
Being far from home in a different environment has pushed her to accomplish one of her many dreams which was claiming a regional title.
“It feels really good. I was seated number two, so I was hoping to make the finals but coming out on top winning and being number one felt even greater.
“It was an honor to represent my school and make my coach and teammates proud,” Maier said.
Maier’s next step is to take on other athletes in the region across the country at the ITA Cup in Rome, GA.
She will be representing the Javelinas on her own as she competes in the singles circuit.
“It’s going to take a lot of work, especially physical movement and physical tiredness but I’ll get through it,” Maier said. “I’ve been preparing for this moment all semester.”
For more details on the ITA Regional Cup be sure to check out the Javelina Athletics website to stay up to date on when it will be held.
The Javelinas now transition into off season and prepare for their Spring conference season. The team is focusing on understanding one another and building chemistry with the new recruits that have been added this Fall semester.
“With the new girls we have and the ones that are already here, we are focusing on growing mentally,” Graduate assistant Andrea Fuchs said. “I think they’re doing great. Coach and I do a lot of team building off the court.”
Overall the Javelina Tennis team looks to grow together and capitalize off of Maier’s recent success.