WTEN | Kozyreva Named ITA All-American
4/29/2020 12:20:00 PM | Women's Tennis
TEMPE, Ariz. — Saint Mary's junior Mariia Kozyreva was recently named an ITA All-American marking her as one of the top singles players in the nation. Only 20 student-athletes receive the prestigious award each season.
"Masha had a phenomenal year and I'm glad she was recognized with this honor," said Gaels' head coach Simon Harston. "It is a testament to the tireless work she has put in to be great the last couple of years. I truly believe the best is yet to come from her and I know she is looking forward to getting back on court for the Gaels next season."
Kozyreva finished the abbreviated season ranked No. 21 by the ITA and was 6-3 in singles action, all coming in the team's No. 1 slot. She ended her year with a big win over Furman's top singles player, No. 16 Katarina Kozarov, in three sets which helped the Gaels come from behind for a 4-3 match win against the ranked Paladins.
"It's a special outcome for me and some consolation considering the season was cut short," said the junior. "There was still so much of the season to look forward to. I feel really happy that all of my effort and work paid off and it gives me even more motivation for the upcoming year to represent SMC at the best level possible!"
In the fall, the St. Petersburg, Russia native shone at the ITA Fall Championships in Newport Beach, Calif. by winning the consolation bracket championship. After dropping her initial match, she won the next five, including wins over three ranked players, to take the title.
Kozyreva was one of two members from the West Coast Conference who were named All-Americans along with Pepperdine's Ashley Lahey. The state of California was well represented out of the 20 recipients as seven student-athletes from the Golden State won the award. She is also the second Gael to ever be named an All-American along with Jenny Jullien back in 2014.
The full release from the ITA can be viewed here.
"Masha had a phenomenal year and I'm glad she was recognized with this honor," said Gaels' head coach Simon Harston. "It is a testament to the tireless work she has put in to be great the last couple of years. I truly believe the best is yet to come from her and I know she is looking forward to getting back on court for the Gaels next season."
Kozyreva finished the abbreviated season ranked No. 21 by the ITA and was 6-3 in singles action, all coming in the team's No. 1 slot. She ended her year with a big win over Furman's top singles player, No. 16 Katarina Kozarov, in three sets which helped the Gaels come from behind for a 4-3 match win against the ranked Paladins.
"It's a special outcome for me and some consolation considering the season was cut short," said the junior. "There was still so much of the season to look forward to. I feel really happy that all of my effort and work paid off and it gives me even more motivation for the upcoming year to represent SMC at the best level possible!"
In the fall, the St. Petersburg, Russia native shone at the ITA Fall Championships in Newport Beach, Calif. by winning the consolation bracket championship. After dropping her initial match, she won the next five, including wins over three ranked players, to take the title.
Kozyreva was one of two members from the West Coast Conference who were named All-Americans along with Pepperdine's Ashley Lahey. The state of California was well represented out of the 20 recipients as seven student-athletes from the Golden State won the award. She is also the second Gael to ever be named an All-American along with Jenny Jullien back in 2014.
The full release from the ITA can be viewed here.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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