RALEIGH, N.C. – In a significant addition to the NC State women's tennis program, Michaela Laki has put pen to paper and signed with the team, as announced by Simon Earnshaw on Wednesday. The Larissa, Greece native holds a remarkable position as a top 10 ITF junior.

Coach Earnshaw's Perspective

"Michaela is a player that both David [Secker] and I have had our eyes on for a long time. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have her join our program," expressed head coach Simon Earnshaw. "What truly stands out about Michaela is her unwavering passion and love for the game, her dedication to training, and her overall enthusiasm for all things tennis."

ITF Junior World Ranking and Tournaments

Laki's highest ITF Junior World Ranking stands at an impressive No. 9. She is the fourth top 10 ITF junior that coach Earnshaw and the Pack women's tennis team has signed. Notable predecessors like Sada Nahimana (2020), Priska Nugroho (2021), and Diana Shnaider (2022) also made their mark before coming to Raleigh.In terms of ITF W15 Singles titles, Laki has an outstanding record. She is the 2023 W15 Heraklion Singles Champion, 2023 W15 Prokuplice Singles Champion, 2023 W15 Kursmulijska Singles Champion, and 2021 W15 Heraklion Singles Champion. Additionally, she has participated in six Grand Slam Junior events and reached the 2022 Australian Open Singles Quarterfinals and the 2021 Roland Garros and US Open Singles Round of 16.

Grand Slam and Junior Titles

Laki's resume also includes six ITF Junior Singles titles and four ITF Junior Doubles titles. She was the 2021 J1 Porto Alegre Doubles Champion and the 2021 J1 Plovdiv Singles Champion. Representing Greece in the Billie Jean King Cup since 2021, she achieved the top rank in all categories in Greece and won the National Championship at the U10, U12, U14, U16, and Women's National Championship in 2021. Moreover, she won the European Junior 14 and Under Singles title in 2019.

Why NC State?

"I chose to be a part of the Wolfpack tennis team because of the intense competitive spirit, the strong sense of commitment, and the drive to win here at NC State, along with the passionate teammates," shared Laki about her decision to join the team.

Future with the Team

Laki will be joining the team in January, ahead of the 2025 season. With her exceptional skills and achievements, she is set to make a significant impact on the program and contribute to its continued success.