AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn women’s tennis has signed Portuguese standout Maria Garcia, Tigers head coach Jordan Szabo announced on Friday. Garcia will join the Auburn squad in January prior to the season opening dual match.
“Excited about Maria joining Auburn,” said Szabo. “We look forward to helping her reach her goals. She’s one of the top players in Portugal, has had professional success and success representing her country on the junior and women’s stage.”
Garcia became the Portuguese Singles Under 16 National Champion, the Portuguese Singles Under 18 National Champion and multiple doubles junior national championships. The 18-year-old was also selected to represent her nation in the Billie Jean King Cup earlier this year.
Garcia achieved a career high ITF Junior ranking of 433 in April and won the singles and doubles titles at the J100 Lousada in 2023. She also claimed four junior doubles wins in 2022. Garcia holds career-high WTA rankings within the top 1500 in both singles and doubles.
The Lisbon, Portugal native attends high school at São João de Brito School. Garcia and the Tigers will kick off the spring season at home on Jan. 18 against North Alabama and UAB at the Yarbrough Tennis Center.