STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Head coach Elianne Douglas-Miron and Tarleton State Tennis announced three international players that will play for the Texans starting in 2025-26. 

Aya Ishi (Japan), Marissa Minetti (Finland) and Dariia Medviedieva (Ukraine) are set to take the courts for the Texans starting in August. The Texans have an all-international recruiting class for the second straight season. 

Aya Ishi - Tochigi, Japan (Urawareimei High School)
Aya Ishi will be the first Japanese player to play for Tarleton State Tennis in the Division I Era in 2025-26. As a captain for Urawareimei High School, Ishi had success on the courts individually and as a member of her team. 

Posting a top 20 ranking both in singles and doubles, Ishi led her Urawareimei to the National High School Tennis Championships title in 2024. She also played an instrumental part in her team's top 10 finish at the National Sports Festival in the same season. 

"I'm thrilled to welcome Aya to Stephenville," Douglas-Miron said. "She is a dynamic athlete and strong competitor who will make an immediate impact on our team. From the moment I started recruiting Aya, it was clear that our goals aligned. She was looking for a competitive program where hard work and a positive attitude are truly valued. Her energy and talent will undoubtedly push this team forward. I am looking forward to welcoming her to our community." 

Ishi said: "I chose Tarleton State University primarily because of Coach Douglas-Miron. She understood my game right away and I know that my tennis will improve under her coaching style. We connected right away and I know my opinions will be heard on this team. Furthermore, Tarleton State offers an ideal environment for me to pursue a degree in International Business. I am confident that Tarleton State will positively impact my future. I can't wait to train with the team and wear the Purple and White." 

Marissa Minetti - Tampere, Finland (Sammon Keskuslukio)
Marissa Minetti will arrive in Stephenville as the first Tarleton State Tennis player in the Division I Era to come from Finland. She will be the second player in her family to play Division I tennis, with her sister, Mariella, competing at Northwestern State and Mercer. 

Minetti will enter her first season as a Texan following a successful junior career in Finland. She finished second in the U21 National Championship and had a third-place finish at the Women's Finnish Championship. Competing for the Tampereen Tennisseura TaTS club, Minetti helped her team to a second-place finish in the Finnish Tennis League in 2025.

"We are also excited to welcome Marissa to our program," Douglas-Miron said. "As one of the top players in Finland, she brings a wealth of high-level experience that will help us continue to compete at the highest level. From the beginning of the recruiting process, we connected over our shared vision for success, and I know she will be a fantastic addition to our team. Welcome to Stephenville, Marissa." 

Minetti said: "I chose Tarleton State because they have a great education system and a successful tennis team. I also had an immediate strong connection with Coach Douglas-Miron, and I think she is doing a great job leading the team and will also help me to improve my game. I believe that at Tarleton State, I can achieve my goals on and off the court. I am excited to be in Stephenville next fall."

Dariia Medviedieva - Lviv, Ukraine (School 84)
Dariia Medviedieva will enter the 2025-25 season as the first Tarleton State Tennis player in the Division I Era from Ukraine. A regular in the top 10 Ukrainian rankings, Medviedieva was listed as high as No. 4 in her home country. 

A highly successful tennis player both in singles and doubles, Medviedieva comes to Stephenville with titles under her belt. She won back-to-back titles at the UTF Adults Championship in 2022 and 2023, winning the mixed doubles crown (2022) and women's doubles title (2023). 

"I can't wait to have Dariia on campus next fall," Douglas-Miron said. "Her passion for the game and commitment to college tennis stood out from the start. With extensive international match experience, she brings a level of competitiveness that will elevate our team. I have no doubt she will thrive both on and off the court. I can't wait to have her wear the Purple and White. 

Medviedieva said: "I chose Tarleton State University because of the high quality of tennis on the team, in the Western Athletic Conference and in the Texas region. I want to work with teammates and coaches who share my passion for tennis and want to improve. Education is also very important to me and I believe Tarleton State will give me the opportunity to pursue a great degree that will open many doors in the future. I know I will be a great addition to the team and I cannot wait for our first team practice and our first matches alongside my team."

Tarleton State returns to Stephenville for match action, facing Grand Canyon on Friday at 12 p.m. at the Tarleton Tennis Complex. The Texans will be giving away free Tarleton State seat cushions and will also celebrate Greek Day. Admission to all Tarleton State Tennis home matches is free.