University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Women’s Tennis Adds Eléonora Molinaro to Roster
August 18, 2020 | Women's Tennis
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee women's tennis has inked international standout Eléonora Molinaro to its 2020-21 roster, announced head coach Alison Ojeda on Tuesday.
Hailing from Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Molinaro comes to Rocky Top with an extensive on-court resume. She boasts a career-high ITF World Junior ranking of eighth and has ranked as high as 234 on the WTA list.
On the European circuit, Molinaro owns an ITF Grade A singles title in Italy and was a singles quarterfinalist and doubles semifinalist in the 2018 French Open Junior Championships.
"As far as Eléonora's tennis goes, her results speak for themselves," Ojeda said. "So, I want to give insight as to who Eléonora is beyond outstanding fundamental tennis skills."
Even with accolades spanning the international ranks, it was Molinaro's family support and approach to sport that also stood out to Ojeda and would fit in with the Lady Vols family.
"They told me about how her heart is what separates her from her opponents," Ojeda said. "'She never gives up, no matter what the score is.' I love that this sentiment is important to both Eléonora and her parents.
"I, too, grew up with parents who urged me to leave it all out there and that is what I work to instill in our team. When you watch our team compete, you see all of the girls playing with heart. It's what makes our team so special, both on and off the court."
Molinaro has won 11 ITF Junior singles titles and three doubles titles as well as eight ITF Women's singles titles. She has also represented Luxembourg for multiple years in the Fed Cup and 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Eléonora's parents paint a unique picture of who their daughter is," Ojeda said. "Most parents who have a daughter who is top-300 in the world are excited to brag about their daughters wins. Eléonora's parents, while proud of their daughter's on-court accomplishments, are eager to talk about much more.
"She is going to be a fantastic addition to the Lady Vols tennis team," Ojeda added. "I can't wait to meet her, and I'm especially eager to see her in action on the court; playing with her whole heart, and continuing to make her parents and Big Orange Country proud."
Ojeda credited the entire Lady Vols women's tennis support staff, which includes Dara Worrell, Sarah Beth Clark, Dr. Joe Scogin, Kelsi Schaer and Denise Jilka, for helping sign Molinaro and making sure her transition would be smooth, particularly because of limitations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"They have been instrumental throughout this process and I really appreciate their guidance and expertise," Ojeda said.
Lady Vols assistant coach Jarryd Chaplin expressed both gratitude and excitement about Molinaro joining the 10-3 squad.
"I want to thank Eléonora and her parents for trusting us in the next chapter of her already successful career," Chaplin said. "She will bring a wealth of experience to our team and an exciting brand of tennis. I know our fans will really enjoy watching her compete for Tennessee. It's a great addition for the program and we can't wait to have her on campus."
Hailing from Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Molinaro comes to Rocky Top with an extensive on-court resume. She boasts a career-high ITF World Junior ranking of eighth and has ranked as high as 234 on the WTA list.
On the European circuit, Molinaro owns an ITF Grade A singles title in Italy and was a singles quarterfinalist and doubles semifinalist in the 2018 French Open Junior Championships.
"As far as Eléonora's tennis goes, her results speak for themselves," Ojeda said. "So, I want to give insight as to who Eléonora is beyond outstanding fundamental tennis skills."
Even with accolades spanning the international ranks, it was Molinaro's family support and approach to sport that also stood out to Ojeda and would fit in with the Lady Vols family.
"They told me about how her heart is what separates her from her opponents," Ojeda said. "'She never gives up, no matter what the score is.' I love that this sentiment is important to both Eléonora and her parents.
"I, too, grew up with parents who urged me to leave it all out there and that is what I work to instill in our team. When you watch our team compete, you see all of the girls playing with heart. It's what makes our team so special, both on and off the court."
Molinaro has won 11 ITF Junior singles titles and three doubles titles as well as eight ITF Women's singles titles. She has also represented Luxembourg for multiple years in the Fed Cup and 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Eléonora's parents paint a unique picture of who their daughter is," Ojeda said. "Most parents who have a daughter who is top-300 in the world are excited to brag about their daughters wins. Eléonora's parents, while proud of their daughter's on-court accomplishments, are eager to talk about much more.
"She is going to be a fantastic addition to the Lady Vols tennis team," Ojeda added. "I can't wait to meet her, and I'm especially eager to see her in action on the court; playing with her whole heart, and continuing to make her parents and Big Orange Country proud."
Ojeda credited the entire Lady Vols women's tennis support staff, which includes Dara Worrell, Sarah Beth Clark, Dr. Joe Scogin, Kelsi Schaer and Denise Jilka, for helping sign Molinaro and making sure her transition would be smooth, particularly because of limitations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"They have been instrumental throughout this process and I really appreciate their guidance and expertise," Ojeda said.
Lady Vols assistant coach Jarryd Chaplin expressed both gratitude and excitement about Molinaro joining the 10-3 squad.
"I want to thank Eléonora and her parents for trusting us in the next chapter of her already successful career," Chaplin said. "She will bring a wealth of experience to our team and an exciting brand of tennis. I know our fans will really enjoy watching her compete for Tennessee. It's a great addition for the program and we can't wait to have her on campus."
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