NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Rachel Kahan, Swensen-McMahon Head Coach of Women's Tennis is thrilled to welcome two newcomers to Yale this fall. Leena Friedman and Rachel Lee arrive with standout résumés on the court and in the classroom.
"We are very excited to welcome Rachel and Leena to the Bulldog family," said Kahan. "They are not only great tennis players but more importantly great people. They are passionate, committed, hardworking, and caring. With these characteristics, they are going to positively contribute and continue to strengthen the culture of our program. I am excited to see them thrive on and off the court within the Yale Community!"
Leena Friedman
Quogue, N.Y.
United Nations International School
Before Yale: Lettered in Junior Tennis Tour Competitions and United States Level 1 gold balls…Competed in U18 Orange Bowl, Junior French Open, Junior Wimbledon, Junior Indian Wells, Osaka Open, and J500 Milan…Competed in the ITF Junior Circuit, winning J30, J60, J100, and J200 events in both singles and doubles… Earned a Gold Ball in singles at the Level 1 Winter Nationals and another in doubles at the Level 1 Hard Courts.
Personal: Daughter of Melissa Kasper and Mark Friedman…Loves to travel…Is fluent in Spanish and French.
Why Yale? "Yale is the perfect place to foster my academic goals as well as my athletic ones. I am so excited for the language programs provided at Yale, and to be able to perform athletically for Yale Women's tennis alongside my amazing teammates."
Kahan on Friedman: "Leena's commitment to the game and development is unmatched. She has played at some of the largest stages including the French Open and Wimbledon. She is always smiling on the court, and we are looking forward to having her drive and love for the game on our team!"
Rachel Lee
San Diego, Calif.
Mount Everest Academy
Before Yale: Blue chip recruit…Ranked as high as No. 14 in the USTA National Standings…Recipient of the Easter Bowl Sportsmanship Award…Multiple-time champion at Level 2 and Level 3 USTA National Championships…Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award winner for over 100 hours of service.
Personal: Daughter of Daniel and Susan Lee…Sister Isabel played tennis at Westmont College…Brother Matthew played tennis at the United States Naval Academy.
Why Yale? "I was looking for a place where I could continually improve on the court, in the classroom, and as a person. I felt Yale was the best place for me to do so."
Kahan on Lee: "Rachel was someone that really stood out in our recruiting process. She was so kind and thoughtful on her recruiting visit and knew she would be a great team member. She was mature and committed to her game development and focused more on getting better than worrying about results, and it has paid off for her game tremendously."
