The Hempfield recCenter has just announced that three local Wild Card players will be joining the Koser Jewelers $100,000 Tennis Challenge taking place from August 5th to 11th.
Brace yourself for some fierce competition! The three tournament Wild Cards are here to shake things up. We are thrilled to introduce Elizabeth Ionescu, Olivia Dorner, and Ava Catanzarite!
Main Draw Wild Card
Elizabeth Ionescu
York, PA
Elizabeth Ionescu is our 2024 main draw Wild Card. At only sixteen years of age, Ionescu is quickly making a name for herself. This Pennsylvania native already has a win over Ann Li (World No. 127) under her belt. As a rising junior in high school, Ionescu is No. 4 on the national recruiting list and No. 1105 in the world. Athletic prowess runs in her family—Elizabeth’s parents were both Olympic-level runners.
Qualifying Draw Wild Cards
Olivia Dorner
Williamsport, PA
Olivia Dorner is our returning qualifier Wild Card. Because of her successful sophomore season at the No. 2 singles position at Penn State University, Dorner was already recognized as the No. 13 singles player in the ITA Northeast Region. Prior to her university career, she displayed exceptional talent in high school, going undefeated in both her junior and senior years while clinching the PIAA State Singles Championships.
Ava Catanzarite
Pittsburgh, PA
Ava Catanzarite is our final qualifier Wild Card. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Catanzarite joined Oklahoma University tennis for her 2023-2024 season after two years at UCLA. Her singles record at UCLA brought her to a career-high ITA ranking of No. 42. Before collegiate career, Catanzarite reached the level of No. 11 in the nation and No. 1 in Pennsylvania.