Northwestern University Athletics
Pollard Welcomes Jessel, Louriero To Women’s Tennis Roster
11/13/2023 12:32:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Duo to join ‘Cats prior to start of 2024-25 season
EVANSTON, Ill. (November 13, 2023) – Erica Jessel (Friendswood, Texas/Clear Springs) and Maia Loureiro (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) have signed National Letters of Intent at Northwestern University, Wildcats' head women's tennis coach Claire Pollard announced on Monday. Jessel and Loureiro will be eligible for competition at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
ERICA JESSEL
Friendswood, Texas • Clear Springs High School
High School: Attended Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas … Posted an undefeated singles record as a senior … Ranked as the No. 57 recruit nationally and No. 4 recruit in the state of Texas in the Babolat Tennis Recruiting Network Rankings … Daughter of Zulai Jessel … Intends to study Economics or Radio, Television, and Film at Northwestern.
Pollard on Jessel: "We can't wait for Erica to get up here next year with her high energy and zest for competition. Erica will bring laughter, commitment, and a HUGE serve to the program. She will make her mark on the team."
Jessel on Northwestern: "As soon as I stepped onto Northwestern's campus, I just had a feeling inside that this was the right school for me. It has the familial values that I was looking for, along with a great support system that would help me both as a student and an athlete. I can't wait to contribute everything on my end as well, providing my all towards the University to further its growth. Go 'Cats!"
MAIA LOUREIRO
Orland Park, Ill. • Carl Sandburg High School
High School: Attended Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Ill., where she compiled an impressive 75-3 overall record … Ranked as the No. 65 recruit nationally and No. 3 recruit in the state of Illinois in the Babolat Tennis Recruiting Network Rankings … Three-time All-Illinois High School Association (IHSA) honoree … Played varsity for three years, appearing in the No. 1 singles position as both a freshman and sophomore before teaming with her younger sister, Estela, in the No. 1 doubles spot during her senior campaign … Four-year honor roll student … Daughter of Marco and Lydia Loureiro, both of whom were student-athletes at the University of Iowa … Older sister, Anna, played tennis at Army West Point … Intends to study Chemistry at Northwestern.
Pollard on Loureiro: "We are thrilled to welcome Maia to our Wildcat family. We love having another local superstar join the program and look forward to watching Maia grow and develop into a legend for the program."
Loureiro on Northwestern: "Northwestern feels like a place where I can not only reach my highest potential as a student-athlete, but as a person. I think this is due to the incredible coaching staff and the overall environment that Northwestern provides for both athletics and academics. Northwestern has extensive prestige in academics and athletics, and it will be an honor to be able to add on to that history."
ERICA JESSEL
Friendswood, Texas • Clear Springs High School
High School: Attended Clear Springs High School in League City, Texas … Posted an undefeated singles record as a senior … Ranked as the No. 57 recruit nationally and No. 4 recruit in the state of Texas in the Babolat Tennis Recruiting Network Rankings … Daughter of Zulai Jessel … Intends to study Economics or Radio, Television, and Film at Northwestern.
Pollard on Jessel: "We can't wait for Erica to get up here next year with her high energy and zest for competition. Erica will bring laughter, commitment, and a HUGE serve to the program. She will make her mark on the team."
Jessel on Northwestern: "As soon as I stepped onto Northwestern's campus, I just had a feeling inside that this was the right school for me. It has the familial values that I was looking for, along with a great support system that would help me both as a student and an athlete. I can't wait to contribute everything on my end as well, providing my all towards the University to further its growth. Go 'Cats!"
Making her way to Evanston out of Friendswood, Texas, welcome Erica Jessel of @ClearSpringsHS to the Wildcat Women's Tennis family! #GoCats | #B1GWTEN pic.twitter.com/PkSEH9CKYz
— NU Women's Tennis (@NUWildcatTennis) November 11, 2023
MAIA LOUREIRO
Orland Park, Ill. • Carl Sandburg High School
High School: Attended Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Ill., where she compiled an impressive 75-3 overall record … Ranked as the No. 65 recruit nationally and No. 3 recruit in the state of Illinois in the Babolat Tennis Recruiting Network Rankings … Three-time All-Illinois High School Association (IHSA) honoree … Played varsity for three years, appearing in the No. 1 singles position as both a freshman and sophomore before teaming with her younger sister, Estela, in the No. 1 doubles spot during her senior campaign … Four-year honor roll student … Daughter of Marco and Lydia Loureiro, both of whom were student-athletes at the University of Iowa … Older sister, Anna, played tennis at Army West Point … Intends to study Chemistry at Northwestern.
Pollard on Loureiro: "We are thrilled to welcome Maia to our Wildcat family. We love having another local superstar join the program and look forward to watching Maia grow and develop into a legend for the program."
Loureiro on Northwestern: "Northwestern feels like a place where I can not only reach my highest potential as a student-athlete, but as a person. I think this is due to the incredible coaching staff and the overall environment that Northwestern provides for both athletics and academics. Northwestern has extensive prestige in academics and athletics, and it will be an honor to be able to add on to that history."
We are thrilled to officially welcome Maia Loureiro of Orland Park, Ill. and @SandburgTennis to the Wildcat Women's Tennis family!#GoCats | #B1GWTEN pic.twitter.com/VgfWUMRsIK
— NU Women's Tennis (@NUWildcatTennis) November 8, 2023
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