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Wayne State University Athletics

2026-27 Women's Tennis Newcomers

Women's Tennis Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

Women's Tennis Signs Two Freshmen For 2026-27 Squad

Okoye and Ranieri to join the Warriors this fall.

DETROIT -- The Wayne State University women's tennis program, under the direction of head coach Yahsha Thompson, has signed two high school student-athletes who will join the Warriors this fall.  Coming to Motown are Jiselle Okoye (London, United Kingdom) and Viola Ranieri (Bardolino, Italy).

Jiselle Okoye, 5-5, Fr., London, United Kingdom / Wren Academy Finchley
High School:  A 2026 High School graduate ... competed internationally on the ITF Junior Tour ... attended both Wren Academy Finchley and Loughborough Primary School.

Personal:  Full name -- Jiselle Okoye ... born on July 11, 2008, in London, United Kingdom ... daughter of David and Sonia Rebello Okoye ... has a younger brother, Kosi, and an older sister, Jada ... first name is pronounced ji-selle ... plans to major in Exercise and Sport Science.

Viola Ranieri, 5-3, Fr., Bardolino, Italy / Educandato Statle Agli Angeli
High School:  A 2026 graduate of Educandato Statle Agli Angeli in Verona, Italy.

Personal:  Full name -- Viola Ranieri ... born on December 27, 2007, in Milano, Italy ... daughter of Luigi Ranieri and Maria Di Conno ... has a younger brother, Guglielmo and a sister, Stella ... name is pronounced VEE-oh-lah rah-NYEH-ree ... plans to major in Management.

Wayne State compiled an 8-9 overall record in 2026, which included a 4-3 league mark.  During the season, WSU had setbacks against non-conference opponents such as #2-Barry, NAIA national champion Keiser, national semifinalist Grand Valley State (twice), national quarterfinalist Findlay and Division 1 Oakland, along with a win over NCAA qualifier Indianapolis.
 
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