Stefi Aludo and Tennielle Madis are setting their sights on the U.S., eager to sharpen their game while suiting up for the University of Hawaii in the fiercely competitive NCAA Division 1 circuit.
Aludo and Madis, widely regarded as the country’s top women’s doubles pairing, made waves on the regional stage by clinching a bronze medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December.
“Our coach and the coach in Hawaii are best friends, and they saw our achievements, so that’s when the recruiting started. Studying abroad has always been our plan,” the 17-year-old Aludo said.
“I was offered a spot but I am just sorting out my papers. I will continue to join the ITF juniors circuit. I have scheduled tournaments in China and in Qatar up next.”
(C) PSC Media Group
Madis, meanwhile, feels thrilled by the chance to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level and remains open to future opportunities on the professional stage.
“I am honored for this opportunity. It’s a dream come true. I am so excited to represent the Philippines and continue growing as a student-athlete,” she said.
“If there is an opportunity to enter the WTA, I will play.”
Both players recently competed in the Philippine Women’s Open in January, though they suffered early exits.
Madis fell 4-6, 0-6 to world No. 212 Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand in the Round of 32. On the other hand, Aludo losing 1-6, 2-6 to Sakura Hosogi in the qualifying round.
