EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Jill Lambrechts (Beerse, Belgium) announced she will be returning to the SIUE women's tennis lineup for the 2023-24 season.
SIUE Head Coach Adam Albertsen said the extra year of eligibility for Lambrechts will allow her to pursue a master's in biological sciences. She graduated summa cum laude from SIUE with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences with a minor in mathematics and chemistry.
Lambrechts played No. 1 singles for the Cougars this past spring and earned first team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors after recording a 19-8 singles record. She also was All-OVC in doubles with a 16-4 record in doubles matches.
The OVC Co-Player of the Year in 2021-22, Lambrechts also was selected to receive the prestigious OVC Scholar-Athlete Award, recognizing her accomplishments in the classroom and athletics as well as leadership qualities. She twice was named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators.
Below is a conversation with Lambrechts concerning her decision to return to SIUE women's tennis.
What made you decide to come back for your 5th year at SIUE?
"The last four years that I have spent here at SIUE have been an amazing experience. I have made some great memories with my teammates and everyone around me. I would love to push for a championship one last time while I pursue a master's degree. I am grateful to get the opportunity to play my fifth year and I couldn't see it any other way!"
What is your most memorable moment so far with SIUE tennis?
"The traveling and the spring trips with my team have been very memorable. In 2022, we had an awesome trip to Orlando, while this last spring we went to Hilton Head. I love that we get to travel to so many different places, while playing tennis as well."
What makes SIUE a special place to you?
"I really fell in love with the kindness of the people here, while also having a very safe community of Edwardsville. Being near a big city in St. Louis is perfect, since that gives you a lot of things to do as well. I spend a lot of time on the trails on campus, and it just brings me so much peace."
You have excelled in the classroom, what have you enjoyed about the academic side of SIUE?
"One of the other things that I really like about SIUE is that all of my professors have been really approachable and understanding. They are willing to work with us, student-athletes, to make sure that we succeed both in the classroom and on the tennis court."
What is one thing you have learned from your time as a student-athlete?
"The most important thing that I have learned is time management. This includes going to practices, eating, going to class, and then making sure I have enough time to complete all of my homework. During the season, all of that has to be managed while traveling."
What is a tennis goal you want to accomplish in the upcoming year?
The big goal for the upcoming year is to win the Ohio Valley Conference tournament with the team. Personally, I am going to try to have fun every practice and match because I know my college career is almost over and it just want to make the most out of being a Cougar."
