On an early September afternoon, an aluminum clink alludes to more than just the routine can of tennis balls being opened: It’s an attitude fresher than the fumes of those vacuum-sealed fuzz-balls, surfacing among the LSU women’s tennis team.
Five months prior, the Lady Tigers walked off of Mississippi State’s maroon courts after falling 4-0 to Vanderbilt in the 2013 SEC Tournament. The defeat ended LSU’s season with a 2-13 SEC record, and a 3-15 mark against nationally ranked teams.
Fast forward to September, and the Lady Tigers’ carry a raw perspective into the upcoming season. A crisp outlook that takes root from the five new players that join the women’s squad this fall.
Three freshmen — Skylar Holloway, Gabrielle Otero, Abigail Owens — along with junior transfer Noel Scott, now don the purple and gold. Freshman Joana Vale Costa of Portugal will unite with the group in spring 2014.
“It’s been exciting to watch how the new people and their enthusiasm is motivating even our returnees,” said head coach Julia Sell. “They’re feeding off each other. Our returnees have the experience of being here but you have some kids coming in that have more experience with competing, and that combination has just been fun to watch.”
Sell’s incoming class claims the No. 14 spot on the Tennis Recruiting Network’s spring rankings, marking the highest-ranked recruiting class in LSU history.
As she hits practice balls, Otero’s 5-foot-5-inch frame still manages to put power behind her forehands.
The Albuquerque, N.M. native has been linked to a racket since she was 3. A five-star recruit out of La Cueva High School, Otero noted the main difference between home and LSU is that she’s used to practicing against men rather than women.
Like Otero, University of Texas transfer Scott has played in Women’s Tennis Association tournaments and transitioned easily at LSU.
Scott posted a 21-18 record in her sophomore season at Texas, including wins against top 10 players. Sell said Otero and Scott have the ability to contribute right away for the Lady Tigers.
“[Noel]’s probably one of the more experienced American players we’ve ever had here in program history, even before my time.” Sell said. “[Otero and Scott] both want to be pros. They’re not looking just to get through practice, they want to be the best they can be on a day-in, day-out basis.”
Junior Mary Jeremiah is impressed with the work ethic of the new crop of Lady Tigers and their effort in practice. Jeremiah said the excitement level surrounding the team is much higher than a season ago.
“The environment’s definitely electric around campus, so it kind of carries over into our practices,” Jeremiah said. “Every day they come out and work their hardest.”
With youth comes enthusiasm, especially at LSU, where freshman are thrilled to play college tennis.
Otero said she chose LSU over other schools because of Coach Sell’s approachability. But she also appreciates the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program at LSU, an important organization in her decision to come to Baton Rouge.
“I think it’s where God wanted me to come,” Otero said.
Otero will begin her LSU career in the Coleman Vision Tennis Championships in Albuquerque on Sunday, a tournament she first played in when she was 15.
It will be a homecoming for Otero, with plenty of pressure on the hometown girl. But Otero argues that pressure makes her play better. With plenty of expectations for the recent class of players entering the 2013-14 season, Otero believes when it comes down to competition, age and hype can be tossed in the net.
“I don’t think it’s really dependent on freshman, sophomore or junior, senior.” Otero said. “I think it’s how bad you want it, how bad you’re going to fight to get whatever you’re trying to achieve.”

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Angela Major

Gabrielle Otero, a new freshman on the women's tennis team, hits a ball at practice Tuesday, September 10, 2013.