JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville State women's tennis head coach Michael Helms announced the signing of Austrian standout Lea Erenda on Friday afternoon. The incoming freshman is the second signee of Helms' initial recruiting class.
 
"We're very excited to get a player of this caliber," Helms said. "Lea had plenty of options and we're fortunate to have signed her. She is a strong and powerful player that will have an impact right away. I'm looking forward to getting her on campus in the Fall and going to work."
 
Erenda, a native of Hall in Tirol, Austia, comes to Jacksonville State after dominating in her home country. She has garnered a World Tennis Number of 20.6 in singles action and 25.0 as a doubles competitor. Erenda's ranking as an ITF Junior competitor rose to a career-high of 2246 in 2022 after posting three huge qualifying wins at the J4 Oberpullendorf. 
 
The newest Gamecock pairs with British star Aneka Patel, who signed with Jax State in December, as the two current members of the squad's 2024 recruiting class. They serve as a solid starting point for the first-year staff as they look to continue building the program into a Conference USA power. 
 
Though Erenda and Patel will not join the team until this Fall, the Spring 2024 Gamecocks (3-4) have opened the season with several big outings to start the year. After dropping tight matches against Middle Tennessee and Mississippi State on opening weekend, the Red-and-White rebounded with three straight victories over Eastern Kentucky, UAB, and Alabama A&M. They return to action this weekend with matches at Arkansas State and verus Central Arkansas in Memphis, Tenn., looking to end a two-match losing streak. 
 
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Facebook (Jax State Women's Tennis), Instagram (@JaxStateWTEN), and X (@JaxStateWTEN) accounts.