Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina junior Jade Groen continues to build upon an already impressive legacy as she was today named the Southern Conference's Women's Tennis Player of the Week following a perfect 4-0 performance against the Chattanooga Mocs and the Mercer Bears last week.

The award is the fourth in Groen's career and a WCU record third this season. The conference office selects and announces the weekly awards based on nominations submitted by the communications or media relations contacts from each member institution.

Groen dominated the competition in singles play, conceding no more than two points to either of her solo opponents on the top court last week. She rolled to a 6-1, 6-0 win over Chattanooga's Madlena Orlova and a 6-2, 6-1 victory on the road against Mercer's Marina Quinones to help secure WCU's 2-0 showing as a team last week. The Zoetermeer, Netherlands product is now 14-2 in singles play on the season and is 5-0 in SoCon matches.  

Groen was equally efficient in doubles play, partnering with Chloe Schwarz on the top court to power to a 6-3 win against Chattanooga and a 6-1 win over Mercer. The duo are 9-3 in doubles play this season, while all told Groen is 14-5 on the doubles court.

Already the school record holder for career singles victories with 43, Groen is just one win away in doubles competition from tying the WCU career record at 44.  

In a matchup of two of the top four teams in the SoCon standings, Groen and the Catamounts battle ETSU at the Catamount Athletics Complex on Tuesday afternoon. WCU returns to action on Saturday as it closes the regular season with another top-four showdown, visiting the Wofford Terriers in Spartanburg, S.C.

All eyes turn to Chattanooga, Tenn., next week for the 2025 Southern Conference Women's Tennis Championship, to be held April 17-19 on the courts at the Champions Club. WCU is already assured of its best-ever seeding as the Catamounts can finish no lower than fourth in the regular-season standings.