Women's Tennis Welcomes Freshmen Gjinaj and Sokolovic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Belmont University women's tennis head coach Dané Vorster announced Friday afternoon the additions of incoming student-athletes Vesa Gjinaj and Hana Sokolovic to the Bruin program for the 2023-24 academic year.
 
Gjinaj, a native of Kosova, ranks among the most accomplished junior players in southeast Europe.
 
Ascending to No. 513 in the world in the International Tennis Federations (ITF) junior rankings, Gjinaj represented Kosova in each of the last three Billie Jean King Cup competitions.
 
She recorded ITF Juniors tournament titles in Skopje, Macedonia, and Peja, Kosova, and was a finalist in Tirana, Albania.
 
Gjinaj has ITF W15/W25 singles victories in Antalya, Turkey, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The decorated junior player has trained at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy in New York City and was part of the Kosova Olympic Committee selections for the 2020 Olympic Games.
 
She is considering academic majors in computer science or business.
 
"I'm thrilled to have Vesa join the program," spoke coach Vorster. "She brings a wealth of experience and maturity after competing at the professional level on the ITF Tour. Her undeniable work ethic and passion for the game is inspiring to everyone around her. I know she will do great things while here at Belmont and beyond."
 
"I chose Belmont University because it embodies the perfect blend of academic excellence and a competitive athletic program," Gjinaj said. "I believe in the team's potential to win the conference and make it to the national tournament, and I'm excited to contribute my skills and dedication towards that goal."
 
Sokolovic, a native of Zagreb, Croatia, was ranked as high as No. 2 in Croatia while in the 16 and under category.
 
Having earned the Croatian U18 national championship in doubles and reached the semifinals in singles, Sokolovic trains at the national federation center in Zagreb. It is the same program that produced Grand Slam champions Iva Majoli and Mirjana Lucic and WTA top 20 players Donna Vekic and Karolina Šprem. Her club team recently claimed the 2023 Croatia Summer League National Championship.
 
She will be pursuing a degree in biochemistry.
 
"Hana embodies all the characteristics of what it means to be a Bruin," said coach Vorster. "She is an exceptional student and dedicated athlete who understands what it takes to be a champion and be a part of a championship team. I'm excited for Hana's addition to the team with her high goals on and off the court."
 
"I chose Belmont because I fell in love with the team's mentality and energy, but also because of an amazing coaching staff that has a great desire to develop their players as athletes and as people," Sokolovic said. "It is a place with high-level academics and an extremely competitive team, which gives me the opportunity to reach my full potential both on the court and in the classroom."
 
Gjinaj and Sokolovic teamed up to capture Tennis Europe's 2019 National Sport Park Open U16 doubles title in Tirana, Albania.
 
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