STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Head coach Elianne Douglas-Miron has had a stretch of recruiting success, and this year is no different, as Tarleton State Tennis has signed two strong prospects.
 
The Texans announced Thursday that they have signed Maria Castano and Duru Kuscu.
 
"I am thrilled with this class of recruits, it's always exciting to welcome a new class of Texans," head coach Elianne Douglas-Miron said. "We have found two student-athletes who are wonderful people and excellent tennis players. We cannot wait for them to be wearing purple and white!"
 
Castano, who is from the Dominican Republic and is currently training in Seville, Spain, is set to graduate from Laurel Springs School in Ojai, California, this spring. She has placed as high of a No. 372 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Ranking.
 
"I am very excited to welcome Maria to the Texan family," Douglas-Miron said. "As soon as we connected, it was apparent that Maria's values align with mine as a coach and she would fit into our team culture right away. She has a very strong work ethic which shows in her success on the court as a junior tennis player and an excellent high school student. I know we will see tremendous growth here at Tarleton in her game and I look forward to also supporting her academic goals!"
 
In 2021, Castano took first place in doubles in the J3 Santo Domingo. She's also taken first in singles in the J4 Leiria, second in singles in the J4 Santo Domingo, second in doubles in the J4 Santo Domingo, second in doubles in the J4 Guatemala, and first in doubles in the J5 Santo Domingo.
 
"I chose Tarleton because Coach Douglas-Miron understood my game style from the very beginning," Castano said. "I believe her coaching style will help me improve and see our team continue to be successful on court. I knew I wanted to become part of the Tarleton State Women's Tennis Team not only because of its tennis success in the last few years, but because of its support in furthering my education goals in the Pre-Med field. I am very excited to train with the team and lift many trophies for this program. Go Texans!"
 
Castano is also an excellent student, owning a 4.28 GPA at Laurel Springs School. She plans to major in biochemistry at Tarleton State University.


Kuscu arrives in Stephenville from Kocaeli, Istanbul, Turkey, where she will graduate from Okyanus College this spring.
 
"Duru has been so enjoyable throughout the entire recruiting process," Douglas-Miron said. "She has shown extreme enthusiasm for becoming a Texan. Her positive energy and hard work are contagious and she already bleeds purple. She is passionate about tennis and is eager to get to Stephenville and learn more about Stephenville. Welcome to Tarleton Duru!"
 
Now 17 years old, Kuscu was just ranked the No. 1 U16 player in Turkey, and No. 9 when including all ages. She earned a spot on the national team, playing at the four-position, and recently helped her school win the national championship three times, taking third twice more.
 
"I chose Tarleton State University because of the many opportunities that I know will present themselves to me during my career as a Texan," Kuscu said. "I also developed a great bond with Coach Douglas-Miron and I want to work with teammates and coaches who know how to be successful. Tarleton State is the place where I know I can achieve my academic and tennis goals. Tarleton State offers many academic degrees which was also important to me. I know I will be great fit for the team and I can't wait to train and compete in Stephenville for the next four years. Go Texans!"
 
In the worldwide ITF Junior Ranking, she's been as high as No. 727. She will study psychology at Tarleton State University.