AUBURN, Ala. – Graduate transfer Ali DeSpain will officially join the Auburn women's tennis team this January for the spring season, head coach Caroline Lilley announced on Monday.
DeSpain, who has spent the past three seasons with the Clemson University women's tennis team, reached a career high ITA ranking of 84th in singles and 17th in doubles during the 2021-22 season. The Hilton Head, SC native boasted an 18-9 doubles record and made an NCAA Tournament doubles appearance last season. During her time at Clemson, DeSpain was named captain of the team for the 2021-22 season and was elected the student-athlete advisory president at Clemson in 2022.
Prior to college, DeSpain was a rated as a blue chip recruit at 22nd in the nation.
"From our very first call with Ali [DeSpain], she has exhibited the characteristics that fit our culture and program," Coach Lilley said about DeSpain. "Her desire to improve and her willingness to make sacrifices to do so has been evident throughout the recruiting process. While at Clemson, she immersed herself in leadership roles and sought out different challenges to better herself and give back to the community. Her competitive spirit coupled with an insatiable thirst for growth are intangibles that cannot be taught or coached. She will be an integral part of our program here at Auburn, and we are humbled that she has decided to finish her collegiate career here on the Plains."
"I am thrilled to join the team in January. Coach Lilley and Coach Falcon have created an incredible culture and team environment that can be seen through the girls on the team," DeSpain said. "Can't wait to see what's to come. War Eagle!"
Ali DeSpain to join women’s tennis in January
