As the early signing period came to a close on Wednesday, Nov. 19, the tennis team was able to sign three recruits. All three signed on the first day, Nov. 12, and ISU coach Armando Espinosa is looking forward to seeing the potential of each player.

Claudia Toledo is a native from Davie, Fla., and will be playing at Iowa State starting in the 2015-2016 season.

Toledo has been defeating four and five star players from Florida, and Espinosa thinks she will be competitively ready for NCAA matches. She has been invited to play in a tournament with the top 32 players in the state of Florida.

“Toledo is very eager to play, and we want her to continue to play to stay on top of her fitness,” Espinosa said. “We will have to teach her how to play at a faster pace with the indoor courts.”

Luisa Varon is an international player from Valencia, Venezuela and will also be playing during the 2015-2016 season.

Espinosa thinks Varon is one of the best international players they have had because of her strength and versatility. Espinosa does have one concern regarding Varon’s play.

“She has a lot of international experience, and we’re hoping she can make an immediate impact right away,” Espinosa said. “We need her to stay in shape since she’ll only be playing practice matches most of her first year.”

Varon has been ranked No. 1 in the country of Venezuela since the age of 10. She also won a gold medal on the women’s team and a bronze medal in doubles at the Venezuela national games. 

The last recruit is Liera Bender from Urbandale, Iowa and will be joining the team’s roster this upcoming spring season.

“Bender might be redshirted this season depending on how she practices for the regular season,” Espinosa said. “We will talk on a consistent manner to make sure she’s comfortable for the upcoming season.”

Bender was a two-time MVP for her team at Johnston High School. She was also honored with the Pursuing Victory with Honors Sportsmanship Award and Academic Honors Award for Athletes during her high school career.

Bender can start practicing with the team on Jan. 12 after winter break.

“The team has been able to meet Bender and Toledo, and it seems to be creating a positive atmosphere,” Espinosa said. “They’re looking forward to playing with the new recruits, but it’s a long way until we reach that point.”

Espinosa has been talking to other recruits, but no one else will be signing this week. The next period of signing recruits happens in April at the end of the tennis season.

Now, Espinosa is focusing his efforts on the team and getting them prepared for the regular season after winter break. He’s excited to see the future with the new recruits but wants to focus on this season and competing in the Big 12 conference.