MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama women's tennis head coach Jaco Keyser announced Tuesday afternoon that VCU transfer Luminita Tutunaru will be joining the team in the fall of 2021. 

The Targu-Jiu, Romania, native was ranked in the top five in Romania in Girls U18', U16', U14' and U12'. She also represented the Romanian National Junior Team through 2017-18 in the International competition. 

"We're excited to have Lumunita join the team this August.", said Keyser. "Great junior resume representing Romania in International competition and done a great job representing NCAA participant and nationally ranked VCU at the top of the line up since her freshman year."

Tutunaru advanced to three semi-final rounds in the 15k and 25k International Tennis Federation (ITF) at the young age of 17 in 2017. Before her collegiate career, she was honored as the National Junior Champion of Romania in 2018.

"She should or could provide an immediate impact within the Sunbelt Conference.", said Keyser. "The exciting part is that in spite of her accomplishments we feel that she has only scratched the surface with regards to her potential."

She was offered full-ride scholarships to the University of Central Florida, Ole Miss, Purdue and Alabama, before signing with VCU in 2019. 

Tutunaru played on courts one and two in singles action and court one in doubles play for the nationally ranked and two-time NCAA participant VCU since her freshman year.

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