SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's tennis welcomed Varya Zlotnik, a left-handed player from Minsk, Belarus with extensive international experience, to join the program this fall.

"I chose Santa Clara because when I was researching universities in the United States, the fact that SCU is situated in Silicon Valley had definitely attracted my attention as it can open up a whole new world of opportunities," said Zlotnik. "Also the fact that Santa Clara has a Division 1 tennis team played a crucial role for me because I would definitely love to pursue tennis during my university studies. I have already spoken to some of the members of the tennis team and really enjoyed talking to them. I was pleased to find out that all of the student-athletes feel like there is a balance between their tennis program and studies, which is exactly what I am looking for. Moreover, I was excited to know that SCU has a very strong research platform and that is important as I would like to major in psychology. Overall, I feel like the tennis team, academics, the people I have contacted, and the location have come together and made me realize that I would like to be a part of and enjoy the Santa Clara University community."

Zlotnik attended the Culford School in the United Kingdom. In the summer of 2019, she won The Progress Tour Summer Swing tournament in Billericay, Essex. Zlotnik placed runner-up in a pair of tournaments in 2019 at the Corby TC Winter Regional Tour – 18U Girls singles and at the West Worthing Club Doubles tournament.

"We are so excited to welcome Varya to Bronco tennis," said Broncos head coach Ben Cabell. "She will bring a tremendous amount of international experience to our team and will add immediate variety and depth to our roster. Varya is also an exceptional student and we believe she has all the tools to have a wonderful career at Santa Clara."