Murray State women’s tennis is going global, as head coach Jorge Caetano unveiled a star-studded 2024 signing class that reads like a United Nations roster.
“We’ve hit the jackpot,” Caetano told the Courier Journal. “With five key players graduating, we needed firepower. These recruits bring international experience that’ll have them hitting the ground running come August.”
Leading the charge is Yu Kikawa from Japan, the highest-ranked recruit in program history with an ITF Junior ranking of 272. The Fukuoka native brings four ITF doubles titles to the Bluegrass, including a semifinal run at the prestigious ITF J500 Osaka.
Not to be outdone, Brazil’s Bruna Melato arrives with three ITF singles titles and a WTA doubles ranking. The Czech Republic’s Barbora Hermanova rounds out the European contingent, ranked top 10 in her age group back home.
Yuna Kadowaki, a sophomore transfer from Seattle University, adds collegiate experience to the mix. The Japanese player boasts two ITF junior doubles titles and a proven track record in Division I tennis.
Caetano didn’t forget local talent, snagging Mayfield’s own Molly Null. The Kentucky standout brings state-level success and a hometown connection to the Racers’ global squad.
With UTR ratings soaring above 9 for most of the class, Murray State’s serving notice to the Ohio Valley Conference. The Racers are ready to take on all comers, from Mayfield to Tokyo and everywhere in between.
