Huskers Sign Top World Ranked Junior Taranova

Nebraska Women’s Tennis Coach Scott Jacobson announced the addition of Maria Taranova to the 2023-24 Husker roster.
 
“We believe Maria is going to be an incredible addition to our program,” Jacobson said. “She is tremendously gifted on both the doubles court and the singles court. Her best tennis is yet to come and we can’t wait to be a part of her Journey at Nebraska.”
 
Taranova, a native of Russia, reached a high of #21 in Juniors under 19 national rankings in Russia. In 2021, Taranova made top 15 in Juniors under 17 national rankings.
 
Taranova competed in the semifinals of the 2022 Russian Junior Championships where she defeated Ekaterina Khayrutdinova, whose career high ITF Junior World Ranking is 36, in the quarterfinals. She also defeated No. 97 Arina Bulatova in the round robin stage.
 
Taranova qualified for two semi-finals of ITF G3 tournaments in Cholpon-Ata last July and in Ust-Kamenogorsk in November. She also won an ITF G4 tournament In Tbilisi and reached two doubles finals in ITF J5 and J3.
 
Taranova has reached a high of #292 in the World ITF Junior Rankings and has also earned the honor of Master of Sports in Russia.

On a personal note, Taranova’s family has an impressive athletic history. Both of Taranova’s parents were professional track and field athletes. Her mother placed 4th in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and her father won the 1997 European Championships among youth under 22 in Turku, Finland.

“I’m excited to be a member of Nebraska’s family because of the great team and experienced coaches,” Taranova said. “All these factors can help me to increase my tennis level. Also, the University of Nebraska is very interesting in academics and I’m looking forward to starting my education there!”