NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt women’s tennis has welcomed Holly Staff to the team as announced by head coach Aleke Tsoubanos on Monday.
“We are thrilled to welcome Holly to the Vanderbilt family,” Tsoubanos said. “Along with her exceptional accomplishments on the court, she embodies the qualities of a Commodore: hardworking, respectful and passionate about both her tennis and academics. Holly will make an immediate impact on the team and I can’t wait for her to finally be in Nashville.”
Staff joins the program from Manchester, England, where she attended Manchester High School for Girls.
“I chose Vanderbilt as I felt it is the best place for me to thrive due to the combination of extremely good academics and tennis. I felt the drive and spirit of everyone which is the environment you need to grow as a person,” Staff said. “Tennis is such an individual sport but the team is so supportive towards each other. I feel so welcomed and I cannot wait to be a Commodore.”
From an early age, Staff saw success on the tennis court.
Beginning at age nine, Staff excelled on the court to win five Great Britain national championships and at 16 won the Great Britain National Doubles Championship. Recently, Staff competed in the Junior Wimbledon 2019 and also represented Great Britain at the Junior Olympic Games in singles and doubles.
Staff is currently ranked No. 31 in Great Britain, marking the youngest player to have the highest available ranking of 1.1.
“Holly is a superb talent and an exciting addition to our program,” Vanderbilt assistant coach Geoff Macdonald said. “She is an explosive and athletic player who has huge upside to develop into a great collegian.”
