Elizabete Klavinska, an incoming freshman at Drake University, is one of Drake women’s tennis’ newest members. Klavinska, from Latvia, said she is extremely excited to be in America for the first time and attend Drake.
Klavinska was introduced to Drake by her agent, who had already been in contact with former head coach Kristina Lott.
“I am coming to Drake because the women’s tennis program and academic level is very high here,” Klavinska said. “Also, the connection with coach Kristina made me want to be here.”
Klavinska looks forward to meeting the new coaches and other girls on the team, and she expressed her excitement to study psychology with a minor in sociology.
Klavinska’s tennis journey has been a long one to say the least, as she first took the court at seven years old and made a more serious commitment to the sport at age 11. With an athletic set of parents, high-intensity sports such as tennis came pretty naturally.
In her tennis career prior to Drake, Klavinska captured many titles, including winning the doubles title at the Latvian Adult Championship in 2022 and reaching the semifinals in singles. Klavinska was the doubles runner-up in the Jurmala J5, where she also reached the semifinals for singles. The freshman had another great run at the Latvian Championship U18, being the runner-up in both singles and doubles. Klavinska also garnered the champion title in both singles and doubles at the Latvijas Tenisa Savieniba.
Klavinska knew that she wanted to be a Division I athlete in the 9th grade, and that mentality never changed. Now that she’s here, Klavinska is ready to compete in both the fall and spring season.
Interim head coach James McManus shared his thoughts on Klavinska joining the team and what she adds to the team culture.
“Very excited to welcome Elizabete to our team this year,” McManus said. “She has a great work ethic and immediately improves our team’s depth. She will fit right in with the girls and help our team culture.”
The Bulldog’s first women’s tennis competition, The Drake Invite, will start on Sep. 9 and go until Sept. 11.
