MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama women's tennis team head coach, Jaco Keyser, announced the signing of Lara Van der Merwe, who will join the program for the 2021-22 season.

Van der Merwe, a native of Potchefstroom, South Africa, was a part of the South African national team since u/12 and was also ranked No.1 in South Africa in u/12, u/14 and u/18. She has earned two International Tennis Federation (ITF) titles in singles and four ITF titles in doubles. 

She was ranked No. 182 in the World Junior Rankings and was also in the top two of the South African Junior tennis throughout her career. She was a member of the South African Junior Fed Cup that won the African Nations Cup in 2020. 

Jaguars Van der Merwe and Delien Kleinhans will be making their South Africa's Billie Jean King Cup debuts after being selected to the South Africa team.

"Vey excited for Lara and Delien," said head coach Keyser. "They are two of the top junior players in South Africa, and to get a call up to the Senior National team is not only a great opportunity for them but also great exposure for South Alabama tennis."

There will be 23 nations competing at the BJK Cup Europe/Africa Group III tournament, including Algeria, Bosnia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Nigeria, Norway, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe and more, with the first round divided into six groups.

The winners of each group will advance to the playoffs, with the top two teams gaining promotion to Group II next season.

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