KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State head women’s tennis coach Brandon Padgett has announced that junior Ayano Tanaka has been named team captain for the upcoming season.

“There has not been a player I have ever coached who is more deserving of being a captain than Ayano,” said Padgett. “She does whatever is asked of her by her coaches and teammates and is a person of strength and character who will be a tremendous leader for our team.”

A native of Chiba, Japan, Tanaka struggled with injuries last season, but is back on track to get to the form of her freshman year in which she was an A-Sun All-Freshman Team selection.

“I am very excited to be named captain,” said the Owls junior. “I want to do my best to represent the team in the best way possible and will do everything I can to make us better this season.”

Tanaka began strong last year with three straight victories to begin the season. She won six of her first eight matches before a string of nagging injuries dramatically impacted her sophomore season.

“Ayano has been working hard all off-season in preparation of this season and is motivated to get back to the success she had in her freshman year,” added Padgett. “I know she is going to push this team and be a great leader.”

The Owls open up the regular season on Saturday morning when they travel to take on the Auburn Tigers in Alabama.