Jade Groen has broken the record for the most singles wins in Catamount women’s tennis program history.
The history-making win came with her 10th singles victory of the season, boosting her overall win tally to 39. The record had been held by Jordan Strickland who graduated in 2020 with 38 career singles wins.
The milestone win came with a 6-1 6-0 victory at number one singles against Fairfield University, leading the way as the Catamounts beat the Stags 6-1 in Orlando, Fla. on March 13.
The Catamounts played two other matches during their spring break slate in Orlando, also defeating the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 5-2 and the Lamar Cardinals 4-0.
Remarkably, Groen is only in her third year at WCU, and poised to extend the record further.
Groen, junior from the Netherlands, says breaking the record in Florida during spring break made it a little more special.
“We had some good days with the team on and off the court,” said Groen. “So, to celebrate it here (in Florida) has been awesome.”
She was made to wait an extra day to claim the record, as she was not able to finish her match against Lamar on the previous day, due to the team result being decided while she was still on court.
“The third match day (against Fairfield) I was eager to get the win since I had chances the day before but did not make it happen… in the end I was getting a little nervous,” said Groen.
Her record in solo play for the Catamounts now sits at 39-13. Groen says her team has helped her perform well individually.
“Our team has been very close,” said Groen. “To see them fight on the court next to me when I’m playing gives me energy.”
Groen has led the way for the Catamounts this season with 10 wins in singles and nine wins in doubles. She has also claimed two SoCon Player of the Week honors this season, adding to her individual accolades for the season.
The 20-year-old has helped the Catamounts post a 9-7 record so far, with seven matches left in regular season play.
Bret Beaver, head coach of the women’s tennis team, says the team has a major influence on all records and achievements for individuals.
“The atmosphere of the team and the team culture allows for players to be motivated and get better day in and day out,” said Beaver. “This group has a great team dynamic that motivates and supports one another to achieve their goals.”
Beaver, who is in his seventh season as head coach, also previously coached the former record holder in Jordan Strickland. He says both players share a competitiveness that allows them to achieve great things in matches.
“They compete with a good sense of clarity and purpose in what they need to do to be successful,” said Beaver.
The Catamounts women’s tennis team will be back in action at home against the North Carolina A&T Aggies on March 21. This will be their last non-conference match of the season before a slate of Southern Conference play beginning on March 23 against the Samford Bulldogs at home.
Groen is excited to close out the season and perform well in conference play.
“I am really excited for what is to come the rest of the season… I think we are in a great position for our conference matches.”
To hear more about Groen’s tennis career and her future goals, listen to the audio below.
The upcoming match against the North Carolina A&T Aggies kicks off on March 21 at 3 p.m. at the Catamount Athletic Complex.
Author is in WCU women’s tennis team and WCJ Sports Editor
