Femke Tjon-A-Joe has transferred to Lamar University from Western Michigan for her senior year of eligibility.
“The transfer portal is the direction of collegiate athletics,” said women’s tennis head coach David Wong. “As coaches, we have to be able to adapt to the changing landscape. With that being said, we are very fortunate to be able to land a player of Femke’s talent. She will have an immediate impact on our team.”
A Top-120 recruit nationally, and Top-15 prospect in the Gulf States region coming out of high school, Tjon-A-Joe had a 10 UTR rating at Corpus Christi’s Flour Bluff High School. Tjon-A-Joe signed with WMU where she spent the previous four seasons.
A four-time district MVP, Tjon-A-Joe was a regional finalist and a four-time district champion in both singles and team titles.
During her four seasons at Western Michigan, Tjon-A-Joe won a total of 33 matches, playing primarily at No. 1 singles and doubles with a 13-4 record last season, to go along with six doubles wins. She closed her time at WMU as a five-time Mid American Conference Player of the Week and an ITA Scholar Athlete.
The women’s golf team has added Grace Connelly to its roster. Although born in Sheffield, England, Connelly arrives to Beaumont from Cardiff, England. She spent the last two seasons at Seminole State College where she helped lead the Raiders to back-to-back national championships and was a member of the dean’s list.
“We’re excited for Grace to join us this fall,” said head coach Janell Howland. “She comes from a school with a winning tradition so we’re excited for her to bring that spirit and energy here to Beaumont. We can’t wait for her to get on campus. She will make an immediate impact.”
Daughter of Sean and Louisa, Connelly will be majoring in Exercise Science. Her father played professional soccer in England.