HobbsDailyReport.com
HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University has landed two players from England for its men’s and women’s tennis teams for next season.
On Tuesday in a press release, the Bears announced they have signed Joshua Lazenby for the men’s team and Gemma Southwick to join the women’s team.
Lazenby — a native of Beverly, England — represents his region of Yorkshire at the National Level and has done so since age of 12. He was GB National Doubles Champion U12 in addition to being Yorkshire County Champion in singles and doubles at U12 and U14.
Currently, Lazenby represents Yorkshire at U18 level. Last summer, he had a successful season, winning these tournaments: Ilkley Men’s Open, Hull Open Men’s and U18s, Tennis World U18s, Yorkshire County Closed 18S doubles and men’s doubles. Lazenby was also a finalist in U18s County Close.
“Josh brings a strong pedigree to Lenoir-Rhyne and we could not be happier to have him join the Bears’ tennis family,” Bears head coach Tom Rees said in the press release. “He is a big hitter and I am looking forward to helping Josh develop into one of the best players in the region.”
Southwick — a native of Mitcham, England — represented Surrey in County Cup as well as competing for Virgin Active Surrey in the Aegon Premier League.
She has played on Centre Court at Wimbledon, is ranked in the top 10 in her region and is a regular competitor at junior nationals and on the British Tour.
“I was very impressed with Gemma on her official visit,” said Rees. “She possesses an accomplished all-around game, is an extremely hard worker and should help us towards the top of the lineup next year.”
LRU’s men were 13-9 last season and the women went 11-10 with both teams reaching the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) tournaments for the first time in school history.
- Reported by LRU Sports Information