Tech inks two for 2017-18 season

Nika Kozar and Dori Mesmer both sign National Letter of Intents to join the Hokies next season

May 4, 2017

BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech women’s tennis coach Terry Ann Zawacki-Woods announced Thursday that Nika Kozar (Jesenice, Slovenia) and Dori Mesmer (Kensington, Maryland) both signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Hokies for the 2017-18 season.

"We are so excited to add Nika and Dori to our program,” Zawacki-Woods said. “Not only are they great tennis players, but they are outstanding students and people that will only help continue to elevate Virginia Tech women's tennis during their time as Hokies. We can't wait for their arrival along with Nina Sorkin to our campus this August!”

Hailing from Jesenice, Slovenia, Kozar comes to Blacksburg with an International Tennis Federation (ITF) juniors ranking of No. 150. She has played in a total of five ITF singles finals at the grade four level, walking away a champion at three of the five tournaments. She also has won three ITF doubles tournaments at that same level.

The daughter of Marjan and Sabine Kozar, she has represented Slovenia at both the Winter Cup and the European Championships and has participated in the 2012 European Youth Olympic Games. With that said, she was crowed the Slovenia national champion in singles action and has been named a six-time national champion in doubles play.

"I heard many great things about VT from my two friends who also are there,” Kozar said. “The first time I spoke with you [coach Zawacki-Woods], I knew right away that you were the best coach for me because you were so nice and always helped me when I needed help. [Coach] Will [Davis] also was very nice and helpful. I really cannot wait to meet you all soon!"

Additionally, a native of Kensington, Maryland, Mesmer comes to Blacksburg as Maryland’s No. 14 tennis recruit by TennisRecruiting.net. She is a three-time MVP at the Academy of Holy Cross and holds a high school singles record of 41-3. She also has won the Washington Catholic League, individually and as a team, her junior season.

The daughter of Joseph and Cynthia Mesmer, she has been named a four-time doubles champion in the state of Maryland as well as a two-time mixed doubles champion. She also is the sister of Freddy Mesmer, a junior on the men’s tennis team at Virginia Tech.

“I chose Virginia Tech because it’s the perfect combination of an awesome tennis team and coach as well as great academics,” Mesmer said. “I can’t wait to be a part of Hokie Nation.”

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