MOBILE, Ala. – Lara Van der Merwe is one of three newcomers set to take the court for the South Alabama women's tennis team this upcoming season. Throughout the month, USAJaguars.com gets to know each of the Jag newcomers.

When did you start playing tennis?
I was three years old and I had my first professional tennis lesson when I was five. My first tournament was when I was seven. My mom played professional tennis so she introduced it to me. With her having that experience but not being able to fulfill her dreams it made me want to do it more. She also never had the opportunity to play college tennis so I wanted to do that as well. 

What was your recruitment process like?
One of the men's assistant coaches at VCU was also South African and he knew (USA head coach) Jaco (Keyser). Before I actually signed with VCU I spoke to Jaco so South Alabama was originally one of my options. With Jaco being South African and then Delien (Kleinhans) also signing here made me want to come. It is so nice that he (Keyser) is helping South Africans get good opportunities. 

Do you have any accomplishments before coming to South Alabama?
This year I played in the Fed Cup which is for the national team. We played Lithuania. Delien (Klienhans) and I were on the team together so that was very big because that was the senior team so we were the youngest. Before college I was ranked 182 in the world in Juniors. I also have a few national titles and was always ranked in the top five in South Africa. 

What is the strongest part of your game?
I would say my transition game. I like my inside-out forehand, I think that is my favorite part of my game. 

Who is your favorite professional player?
 I love Victoria Azarenka. Even though she is not really top ranked right now I've always just loved her intensity on the courts and how she fights for every match. 

Do you have any pre-match rituals?
I have to listen to an album but with the same song in the same order. Even if the song is like five years old it has to be in order and then the exact same song just before I go on the court. 

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