EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE women's tennis has announced the addition of Valeriia Oleksyn (Lviv, Ukraine) to the program's 2026 recruiting class. Olekysn joins Jacinta Villalobos (Hinsdale, Illinois) and Emma Baker (College Grove, Tennessee) who previously signed in the fall.

"I'm really excited to welcome Valeriia to the Cougar family and have her hit the courts with us, said SIUE Head Coach Adam Albertsen. "She will bring a well-rounded game style that isn't afraid to mix and change the rhythm of her opponent on the court. I am excited to add her tournament experience and competitiveness to our lineup. "

Valeriia Oleksyn
Hometown: Lviv, Ukraine
Major: Psychology or Exercise Science

Why I picked SIUE: "I chose SIUE because it has a really strong tennis program and high level of education at the same time. It's a great opportunity to compete at Division I level while receiving a high education. I think it is the right place for me to develop myself as a tennis player in reaching my biggest goal – becoming a professional tennis player."

Coach Albertsen on Valeriia: "In getting to know Valeriia, it was great to see how she works in the classroom and on the courts, with a desire to get better. Her game style is patient with the ability to out rally and outlast her competition. She brings more athleticism to our team, and I look forward to watching her grow on and off the court."

Athletic and Academic Highlights: Oleksyn carries a UTR of 8.76 and her best Tennis Europe U16 ranking is No. 70. Oleksyn has won Category 2 and 3 Tennis Europe tournaments and is currently ranked No. 10 in Ukraine U16 and previously carried a high ranking of No. 5.