Northwestern freshman Cristelle Grier has more than one reason to be pleased.
After fearing she wouldn’t be able to play in the upcoming NCAA singles tournament, Grier found out that not only would she be allowed to play, but also she would be the No. 2 seed.
After she was declared ineligible on May 9, Grier spent last week preparing for the NCAA singles championships wondering if NU’s appeal would bring her reinstatement before the tournament that begins today in Gainesville, Fla.
On Friday afternoon, Grier’s eligibility was restored by the NCAA — just in time for her to join NU coach Claire Pollard and teammate Jessica Rush on a flight to Florida.
Grier said she hopes to leave behind the stress of her appeal and focus on the tournament she has been preparing for since January.
“We’re in a different environment now,” Grier said. “You’ve got to forget about last week and move on and get down to business.”
Grier, the No. 9-ranked player in the country, set an NU record this year with a 25-0 record in a season that included a 6-4, 6-2 victory on Feb. 8 over the No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament, Vilmarie Castellvi of Tennessee. Grier will face Alicia Salas of Notre Dame in the first round today.
Rush, originally the third alternate for the singles competition, found out yesterday that she was awarded a bid when other players dropped out of the tournament. Rush will take on Castellvi.
The Wildcats’ No. 2 player said she was excited and called the match “a great opportunity.”
“I’ll do as well as I can and enjoy this experience,” Rush said.
Grier and Rush will pair up for the 32-team doubles competition that begins on Tuesday.
The NU players practiced for about two hours on Saturday and Sunday to get used to the oppressive heat and humidity of Gainesville. Pollard said both Grier and Rush looked sharp in the three practices held over the weekend.
Pollard said she had faith in Grier’s ability to put the stress of eligibility concerns behind her in order to compete well in this week’s tournament.
“It’s a chance for her to rise and show what kind of person she is,” Pollard said. “Hopefully the emotions of the past few days have subsided, and now she’s gearing up for what she’s worked toward all year.”
Grier and fellow England native Ruth Barnes were declared ineligible by NU officials after an NCAA recommendation on May 9. Both Grier and Barnes studied for seven years at the “A” level of high school in England, but the NCAA considered them to be graduated after only five. From the NCAA’s point of view, the English players had violated a rule that forces them to attend college within a year of their high school graduation.
Following an appeal by NU officials, Grier’s eligibility was reinstated on May 16.
