Standing at 5-feet-3-inches, but packing a whole lot of punch, is Husky freshman tennis player Venise Chan. Chan has earned a spot in this year’s NCAA Women’s Tennis Singles Championships. The selection was made by the NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Subcommittee and was announced April 30. No other freshman has been able to accomplish this feat since Claire Carter back in 2001.

“I’m definitely really excited,” Chan said. “I’ve been hitting with the coaches and some of the guys to prepare for the week.”

After leading the team at the number one position the entire season, which culminated in an appearance at the NCAA Team Championships, a feat the team hasn’t reached since 2005, Chan has been selected as one of the 64 players that will compete in hopes of winning this year’s singles championship.

Although there can only be one winner, if Chan is able to win two matches to reach the Round of 16, where 16 individuals are left, she will earn All-American honors.

“I’m looking forward to my first match,” Chan said. “Hopefully I can win some rounds, but I’m just taking things one step at a time.”

Depending on the draw, which has not yet been released as of press date, this is a very achievable goal for Chan, who is currently ranked 37th in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association polls. Chan beat eight ranked opponents this season, including Lindsey Nelson from USC, who is a two-time NCAA Singles runner-up.

This year’s tournament will be held at the Michael D. Case Tennis Center at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa.

Play begins today and continues until May 26, when the champion will be crowned.