DENTON — North Texas tennis coach Sujay Lama announced the signing of Alexandra Heczey to a National Letter of Intent on Monday, less than a week after the official signing day for 2016-17 prospects.

A native of Budapest, Heczey has become one of Hungary’s top players and Lama thinks that the team’s latest addition can contribute immediately, especially in doubles play.

“We are very happy and excited to welcome Alex to the Mean Green family,” the 10th-year coach said. “She is a powerful athlete with an all-court game, and she plays offensive-minded, first-strike tennis. Her comfort at the net is a big reason why she has had tremendous results in doubles. She will make an impact right away with her talent, work ethic and character.”  

A multiple-time champion, Heczey has been ranked as high as No. 26 in singles and No. 14 in doubles among Hungarian women, including a best U16 national ranking of 16 and a U18 mark of 14. She picked up doubles and singles championships in the U16 Budapest Championships in 2012 and won the doubles bracket at the Tennis Europe Talentum Cup in 2013. She has also added a singles championship at the 2015 U18 Budapest Championship, and Heczey finished second in doubles at the U18 Hungarian National Championship (2015) and the Hungarian National Women’s Championship (2016).

“Joining North Texas is a huge step in my life and an enormous opportunity for me because I can study at an excellent university and also improve my tennis with a united, harmonious and competitive team,” Heczey said. “When I met Coach Lama, I felt immediately that I could trust in him. He is not only a kind and positive person, but he is also a very experienced trainer who has a high tennis IQ and can motivate his teams.”

Heczey will join a North Texas team that is primed to be one of the youngest and most competitive in Conference USA next season. The Mean Green signed one freshman during the early period in November, and four current freshmen continue to pace the team as it nears the conference championship.

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