Case Study: Anastasia Sysoeva — A Proven Competitor Finding the Perfect Fit for Her Graduate Year: Committing to Notre Dame

Anastasia Sysoeva's journey is the story of a player who never stopped climbing. Originally from Russia, she took her first step into U.S. college tennis at one of the most iconic programs in the country — the University of Florida. After redshirting her freshman year with the Gators, she transferred to Syracuse University, where she spent the next three seasons developing into one of the team's anchors.

At Syracuse, Anastasia established herself as a top-of-the-lineup competitor. With a UTR above 10 and consistent wins against elite opponents, she proved she wasn't just talented — she was dependable, driven, and still rising. As she approached graduation, the question wasn't whether she had the ability to play another year. The question was where she could find a graduate program that matched her ambition academically and athletically.

That's where we stepped in.

Anastasia wanted the full package: a school with strong academics, a high-level tennis environment, and a coaching staff she could trust for her final year of eligibility. With her résumé and upside, we immediately targeted programs that excel in all three areas — highly ranked teams paired with serious academic reputation. Conversations began quickly, and interest grew fast. She had built the foundation; our job was to open the right doors.

Soon, one option separated itself from the rest.

When Anastasia visited Notre Dame, everything aligned. The university's academic prestige is undeniable. The tennis program competes at an elite level. But most importantly, she connected instantly with the coaching staff — their vision, their culture, and their belief in her potential. That personal connection gave her the clarity she needed. Notre Dame wasn't just a strong option; it was the option.

And that led to her final decision: Anastasia Sysoeva will complete her graduate year at the University of Notre Dame.

Her story is exactly why Recruited exists. We help athletes who have put in the work translate their journey into real opportunities — the right programs, the right fits, and the futures they've earned. We couldn't be more excited for Anastasia and everything she will accomplish in South Bend.