University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Meet the Freshmen: Rachel Hanford and Zeyneb Sarioglan
8/28/2020 12:16:00 PM | Tennis
Get to know the two new Gophers from Canada and Turkey.
MINNEAPOLIS- The Golden Gopher women's tennis team welcomes two incoming freshmen to the group for the 2020-21 season. Let's get to know more about Rachel Hanford and Zeyneb Sarioglan!
Rachel Hanford is from Mississauga, Ontario and competed at St. Martin Catholic Secondary School. Over the last year, she was an Outdoor Provincial singles finalist and doubles champion, finished sixth at the Outdoor Canadian Nationals and was a G4 doubles champion.
Gopher Sports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Rachel Hanford: I was really impressed with the coaches and the tennis program. I have known previous Minnesota players who had great experiences there which heavily influenced my decision.
GS: What field of study are you in and why?
RH: The major I have chosen is business and marketing and education. Marketing was one of my favorite courses in high school therefore I wanted to pursue it in college.
GS: What are you looking forward to the most at the University of Minnesota?
RH: I am looking forward to getting to know my teammates and new people. I'm also ready for the next chapter of my tennis career and competing for a great team!
GS: What hobbies do you have outside of tennis?
RH: My favorite things to do outside of tennis are chilling with friends and watching movies.
Fun Facts
Hidden Talent: Juggling
Favorite Season: Fall
Favorite Movie: Molly's Game
Favorite Food: Any pasta
Favorite Tennis Player: Simona Halep
Zeyneb Sarioglan comes to the Gophers all the way from Istanbul, Turkey by way of Okyanus College. Sarioglan has represented Turkey on the international stage multiple times and held an ITF Juniors ranking of 351 this past year.
Gopher Sports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Zeyneb Sarioglan: Minnesota gave me the best combination to improve myself both in athletics and academics
GS: What field of study are you in and why?
ZS: I am in the psychology program because I am interested in the human mind.
GS: What are you looking forward to the most at the University of Minnesota?
ZS: I am looking forward to representing my team at the highest level!
GS: What hobbies do you have outside of tennis?
ZS: I like to spend time with my family and friends.
Fun Facts
Hidden Talent: Cooking
Favorite Season: Spring
Favorite Movie: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Favorite Food: Salmon
Favorite Tennis Player: Rafael Nadal