Student-Athlete Spotlight: Claudia Wiktorin

RALEIGH, N.C.- Recently, GoPack.com had the opportunity to catch up with Claudia Wiktorin, who will join the NC State women's tennis program this fall, to get to know more about who she is.

A Davidson, N.C., native, she has been listed as high as 25th nationally and is a top five-star recruit in 2015 among her graduating class.

Wiktorin, who started playing internationally at 14 years old, has held a high International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior world ranking of No. 235. She has won six ITF tournaments in doubles play, including the 2013 & 2014 Copa Merengue in the Dominican Republic, the 2014 Copenhagen Winter Cup in Denmark and the 2013 Panama Bowl.

In addition, she has advanced to the semifinals and finals of several ITF junior tournaments in singles play.

In ITF events, Wiktorin has faced the 2014 US Open Junior Champion Marie Bouzkova, twice, falling both times in two close three-set matches.

Why she chose NC State: "NC State is a great school athletically and academically. At NC State I have the opportunity to achieve the scholastic goals I have set for myself, but furthermore the tennis program and coaching staff is great. I'm very impressed with the coaches' qualities and abilities, as well as what they have been able to achieve in the past.

"I also think the coaches, along with the new players they are bringing to the team, to make NC State a top team in the nation. I'm excited to play for them and work towards achieving this goal. I can't wait to be a part of the Wolfpack!"

What she's most excited for about college: "I am most excited about the whole experience encompassed in college. From playing tennis for a great school, to the great academic opportunities NC State offers, getting to know my teammates and having a great four years!"

An athlete you idolized growing up: "I idolized Novak Djokovic growing up because of his determination to be No. 1 in the world, the way he played and how he could adjust to any circumstance. He was always so determined and never gave up, which is one of the main reasons why I idolized him. By him having those character traits he's been on top for a while now."

Her preference between singles and doubles play: "I prefer both actually. I like playing doubles because you get to have someone on court with you and you get to volley more. However, I also like singles because it's more independent and you can control things yourself."

How she got into playing tennis: "I started playing tennis when I was six-years-old with my dad. He got me into it and I haven't stopped playing since then!"

Her favorite thing about the sport: "My favorite thing about the sport is the competitiveness."

Her goals and aspirations at NC State on and off the court: "My goals and aspirations at NC State is to play a part in helping the team grow in rankings, develop as a team all together as well as develop my game in the process and experience great match play and competition.

"My goals and aspirations off the court at NC State are to grow as a person, grow academically and pursue my major of architecture!"

Her favorite place to visit: "My favorite place to visit is Sweden because it is so peaceful, serene and beautiful there! I am half Swedish on my dad's side so we try to go there almost every year to visit family, and I love it up there even though it does get cold."

North Carolina State University Athletics

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