The Valparaiso University tennis program and head coach Bob Modesto have announced the addition of three newcomers to the program for the 2023-2024 academic and athletic year. Valpo tennis will welcome Sydney Stone, Jolene Fernandes and Lillian Kelly.

Stone, a native of Brisbane, Australia, was recently named a junior college All-American by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) as one of the top junior college players in the nation after a standout season at Tyler JC in Texas. Tyler finished the season ranked third in the JUCO nation with Stone ranked fifth nationally in singles and third in doubles. She reached the national semifinals in both singles and doubles.

“One thing we’re very excited about is that Sydney is bringing college experience with her,” Modesto said. “Whenever we have a player who comes in with college experience, it bodes well for us because we love that they’ve been in the same arena. (Assistant coach) Claire (Czerwonka) feels strongly about us having Sydney on board, and I trust Claire’s expertise.”

Stone was named to the 2022 All-Australian team and was a three-time Junior ITF Doubles winner. She has participated in the Australia European Tour, traveling to Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. Stone, who intends to major in psychology at Valpo, played soccer as well as tennis growing up.

“I chose Valpo because I instantly felt a connection with the tennis coaches and a few of the players I met on a virtual tour from Australia,” Stone said. “The team had a standout tennis season in 2022-23 on the court and in the classroom, and I want to be a part of that.”

Fernandes, a native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has a long list of achievements on the International Tennis Federation circuit, including the following – J5 ITF singles champion in Quito, J5 ITF doubles semifinalist in Quito, J5 ITF singles finalist in Managua, J5 ITF doubles champion in Managua, J5 ITF singles and doubles semifinalist in Managua, J4 ITF singles and doubles quarterfinalist in Victoria and J5 ITF doubles finalist in Kingston.

“What really excites me about Jolene is that she’s left-handed,” Modesto said. “She’s the first left-handed player that we’ve had in my tenure as coach, and one of my strengths is working with the left-handed game. We’re really excited about having her come on board and I’m excited to have another lefty to work with.”

Modesto instructed left-hander Mary Hill during his time as a high school coach at Munster, and she became the first female singles player from Northwest Indiana to win a state title.

Fernandes reached an ITF Junior career-high ranking of 663 on Jan. 3, 2023. She has been ranked No. 3 in U18 Singles in Alberta, No. 6 in U18 Doubles in Alberta and No. 28 in U18 Singles in all of Canada.

“I am so excited to be joining the Valpo women’s tennis program and becoming a part of Valparaiso University,” Fernandes said. “Valpo stood out to me for several reasons, and it was an easy decision to choose this institution. I really liked the tennis program because I connected well with the values of the coaches and felt they genuinely cared about the growth and success of their players. The warm and welcoming nature of the girls on the team made me feel like I was joining a family. I am really excited to surround myself with a group of strong, determined and disciplined girls.”

Away from tennis, Fernandes enjoyed recreational figure skating when she was younger. She has dedicated 13 years to playing the piano and received honors in Levels 6, 7 and 8 through the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has traveled to eight different countries to compete in tennis tournaments. Fernandes plans to study nursing at Valpo.

“My mom is a nurse and my ultimate hero,” she said. “She has inspired me to follow in her footsteps and strive to be just like her. The University’s passion for education and dedication to academic excellence stood out to me. I was looking for a school that provided the perfect environment for me to grow as a student-athlete, and found that Valparaiso University is the right fit for me.”

Kelly, a native of Fullerton, Calif., was recently named a 2022 USTA SoCal Player of the Day. She was a four-time high school varsity MVP, a team captain for three years and a four-time scholar-athlete.

“I first met Lillian when we were recruiting on the national trail,” Modesto said. “I met her in San Diego when she was playing in the national tournament there. I was already impressed by her, and then she also had the opportunity to meet Amanda Tabanera, because Amanda is from Southern California as well. Amanda was equally impressed with Lillian. Lillian then came to Valpo for a visit, and we feel really good about her joining our program.”

Kelly earned principal’s honor roll all four years of high school and graduated with honors. In her free time, she cofounded a service club with her sister that raises money and donates supplies to Los Angeles animal shelters.

“I chose Valpo because of the amazing physician assistant program,” Kelly said. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to be studying in the PA program at a school that will allow me to play tennis at the same time.”

The trio joins a Valpo tennis program that has made positive strides in recent years, finishing the 2023 campaign with its highest winning percentage since 2006.