Elliott to play No. 1 for Adrian College

Following the footsteps of Carol Lee and Asia Raulerson—Saipan netters playing No. 1 for their schools in the NCAA—is Hye Jin Elliott.

The Grace Christian Academy alumnae is leading the NCAA Division III Adrian College women’s tennis varsity team this season.

“I was pretty excited that I made it on the team. While Division III schools don’t give out athletic scholarships, Adrian College gave me a significant amount of financial aid because of my academics,” said the 18-year-old former CNMI junior netter.

The criminal justice major said she didn’t really thought about continuing her tennis career until Adrian College reached out to her.

“The past tennis coach and the captain of the women’s team of Adrian College contacted me and told me about the school. So, the process to get to know Adrian college and get recruited came easy to me.”

Now that she’s on the school’s varsity team, the former Grace Christian Academy volleyball center said she will definitely try to be the best version of herself in the sport while not neglecting her studies.

“My goal is to excel in my academics as well as in tennis. My priority is to improve so that when I come back to Saipan, I will be able to play my best in off-island tournaments and represent the CNMI well.”

Elliott said she had to do a bit of adjusting coming from a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

“The first semester was hard and fun at the same time. Academic-wise it was easy since the classes were very similar too my high school classes. The hard part was finding my group of people…The biggest adjustment was definitely the weather. But being independent and away from my parent in a new environment has been challenging.”

And as the holidays roll along, she can’t help but pine more for home.

“What I miss most about home are definitely my friends and family. I also miss is the diversity in food since the location of my college there isn’t much variety.”

Elliott, who is on island for the Christmas break, then thanked her loved ones for supporting her through and through in her sports and academic journey.

“I really want to thank my parents because without them I would not be playing tennis or have the opportunity to go to college in the United States. They continue to support me in every way which I appreciate so much.”

Adrian College women’s tennis team coach Kyle Haines only had nice things to say about her top tennis player.

“The thing that impressed me the most about her is her composure and the way she is able to handle herself in high pressure situations. Her strong points as a tennis player are her point construction and the fight she offers to stay in every single point until the last shot. We’re lucky to have her!”

When asked what Elliott needs to improve on, Haines said, “One thing I think she could work on is her shot selection and choosing the appropriate shot at the right time. Most of the time she does but I think it could be fine-tuned even more.”

The Adrian College Bulldogs’ women’s tennis team finished 5-4 last fall season, but will play another 15 matches this spring season in the Michigan Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association of Division III of the NCAA.