MOBILE, Ala. – Delien Kleinhans is one of three newcomers set to take the court for the South Alabama women's tennis team this upcoming season. Throughout the fall, USAJaguars.com got to know each of the Jag newcomers.
When did you start playing tennis?
I started playing when I was four or five years old. My dad is a tennis coach so I was always next to the court and watching him coach so I just grabbed a racquet and started playing.
What was your recruitment process like?
South was actually not one of my options. I was torn between two other universities. On the day when the other universities wanted me to make my decision, my mom came to me and said 'Just talk to South as well'. I was frustrated because I couldn't decide between two and now I was given a third option. I was busy sleeping when my mom came to wake me up and told me I must speak to (Head coach) Jaco (Keyser). I FaceTimed him and he was really nice and told me everything about it [South Alabama]. Then I asked the other two universities to give me one more week. I researched about South and talked to Jaco everyday which made me want to come here.
Do you have any accomplishments before South Alabama?
I was ranked 158 in ITF, it was my highest ranking. I also won seven ITF titles. I have won our South African national championship four times: U14, U16 and U18 twice. I've also played on the South African team since I was 14 and have been unbeaten in South Africa for three years. I've also represented South Africa in the African Junior Championships. Just before coming to South I represented them on the Fed Cup team in Lithuania.
What is the strongest part of your game?
I would say it is my head, like the mental part of my game. I think and can stay calm under pressure. I can hang in there when the situation gets tough. My serve is also a strong point.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Firstly, my goal is to improve my game. I have a lot of things to work on. My second goal is to improve my fitness as well. From an achievement standpoint I would like to obviously win a few matches and play in the lineup.
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
I listen to music before I play. I have this one Afrikaans song that I listen to every time before a match.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
Join the Baseline Club, the tennis-specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Baseline Club go directly to support the South Alabama men's and women's tennis programs. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/baselineclub
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