Tennis Inks Three to 2026 Signing Class
11/13/2025 8:08:00 AM | Tennis
Mizzou tennis head coach Silvia Chinellato announces the signing of three players to the 2026-27 roster on National Signing Day, Nov. 12.
Leticia Bazan | Lima, Peru | Liceo Naval Almirante Guise
Leticia Bazan joined the team from Lima, Peru. Bazan holds an ITF ranking of 208 and a career-high ranking of 176. Throughout her high school career, she earned four junior titles, three of those in 2024, and one this year.
This past 2025 season, Bazan recorded 18 wins and 10 losses, marking a 67 percent win rate. Since 2023, she has improved her win rate by 17 percent, demonstrating her progression on the court and competitive edge.
Bazan on joining the Tigers
"I chose Mizzou because of the amazing and walkable campus with things nearby and the great team."
Coach Chinellato on Bazan
"We are proud to welcome Leticia, one of the premier junior players in South America. Her international experience and fierce competitiveness will make an immediate impact in the SEC."
Daria Budko | Frisco, Texas | iUniversity Prep
Daria Budko brings five-star talent to the Tigers, coming out of Frisco, Texas. Budko records a WTN of 20.9 and ranks 81st overall in the nation and ninth in the state of Texas.
Budko on joining the Tigers
"I am choosing Mizzou because I really enjoyed all the staff and people around. The campus is absolutely gorgeous, and I loved the athletic buildings."
Coach Chinellato on Budko
"Hailing from Texas, Daria brings powerful tennis, strong character, and a relentless competitive spirit. Her commitment to excellence will be a great addition to our program and the Tiger tradition!"
Evelyn Whiteside | San Antonio, Texas | Alamo Heights High School
Evelyn Whiteside joins the Tigers from San Antonio, Texas, coming in as a TennisRecruiting.net four-star player. Babolat Recruiting lists her as the No. 78 player in the Nation, and eighth-ranked in Texas. Back in Texas, Whiteside competes with San Antonio Tennis Academy and has a World Tennis Number (WTN) of 21.8
Whiteside on joining the Tigers
"I really connected with Coach Silvia and enjoyed meeting the team; being a part of the SEC was a big factor as well. I like that [Mizzou] is a college town but has a bigger downtown area. Everyone I met was so nice and had only good things to say about Mizzou."
Coach Chinellato on Whiteside
"Evelyn is a standout talent from the state of Texas. She brings grit, athleticism, and a winning mentality to Columbia. We're thrilled to have her join the Tiger family!"
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