Jan. 16, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois Head Women's Tennis Coach Ryun Ferrell announced the hiring of graduate assistant coach Elena Besedova, Wednesday.

"I'm really excited to have Elena around," Ferrell said. "She's an outstanding player who will really help us recruit internationally and get some of the best players from her home country of Slovakia."

Besedova, a native of Piestany, Slovakia spent the last four seasons playing at Hampton University in Virginia, where she also held coaching duties.

As a player, Besedova was a First-Team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference performer who led her team to a Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth. As a freshman, Besedova played in the team's number three slot, but quickly advanced to become the Pirates' number one player. She spent her last three seasons in Hampton's number one slot, including her senior year, in which she totaled an 8-5 MEAC record.

While at Hampton, Besedova held coaching responsibilities as well. She helped organize, manage and plan practices, and assisted with the development of other players on the team. Besedova also coached at several tennis clubs and training centers, including Port Washington Tennis Academy, where tennis legend John McEnroe started his junior career.

Prior to her college career, Besedova played on the professional circuit while maintaining her amateur status in Slovakia from 1998-2003. Ferrell believes her experience playing at a high level will be a significant benefit to the Huskies.

"She's totally on top of her game," he said. "I'm psyched to have her here."

Besedova succeeded in the classroom as well as on the court and the sidelines. She was on the Hampton Dean's List for her entire academic career, in which she earned her bachelor of arts degree in advertising while maintaining a 3.39 grade point average.

The Huskies, with Ferrell and Besedova guiding them, open their spring season Jan. 26 at Wisconsin.