Tan to Represent Singapore in SEA Games
5/27/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
By Jay Hinton
TCU Athletics Media Relations
FORT WORTH, Texas -- For the first time in 22 years, the Southeast Asian Games are making their return to Singapore, and TCU women's tennis player Stefanie Tan will be a part of the prestigious event.
The Southeast Asian Games, which involves 11 countries and more than 36 sports and 402 events, will be held June 5-16 in Singapore.
"I think it's really exciting, especially because I have never been a part of these games before, and it's such a big deal back home," said Tan, who came to TCU from Singapore four years ago to compete for the Horned Frogs.
TCU women's tennis coach Lee Taylor Walker agrees.
"It's such a great privilege and responsibility," he said. "Stefanie has dedicated countless hours to her tennis craft, and I'm happy that her country is choosing to give her this opportunity. She really has put in so much hard work over her four years here at TCU, and it's nice that halfway around the world they are able to keep up with that and understand her level of play is very suitable and capable for such an event."
Since completing her commitments at TCU, Tan will now join the team, which began practicing without her earlier in the month in Singapore.
"I have been the national champion in Singapore before coming to the U.S., and when I went back last year I won an open tournament," she said. "Everyone back home still keeps track of my results here, so they know I am doing well and they let me automatically be on the team without having to try out for it."
Opening ceremonies are June 5, and tennis competition begins June 8.
"Most of the girls there will be similar to what we have here in college at the NCAA level," Tan said. "Playing No. 1 for the last four years I have pretty much matched up against the best of all the schools, and that has been at a high level, and I have a lot of match exposure that I wouldn't have if I were at home."
She will be competing in singles and doubles events, but singles will be her top priority.
"I am focusing on the individuals event and hopefully I can get a medal," she said.
At the same time, she'll be an ambassador for TCU.
"Stefanie came to TCU, became an All-American for her sport, graduated in four years with her MBA degree and led her team to its highest ranking in a long time. To end her career by preparing to represent her country in the SEA Games gives you motivation that it can be done for the next student-athlete that comes on this beautiful campus," Walker said. "I couldn't be more proud of Stefanie, I'm excited to follow her during the Games in a few weeks."
Players Mentioned
