Columbia News

The University of Missouri has announced the addition of Michelle Kleynerman to its women's tennis roster. Kleynerman, a graduate student, will transfer from Boston University after spending four years with the Terriers.

During her time at Boston University, Kleynerman compiled a 13-9 overall singles record and a 5-7 mark in dual matches. She held a 1-0 record in Patriot League play and played primarily at the No. 1 singles position during her junior year, finishing with a 4-5 record in that spot. In doubles competition, she recorded a 10-11 overall record and went 7-5 in dual matches.

Kleynerman is originally from New York and was rated as a five-star recruit by TennisRecruiting.net, achieving a national ranking as high as No. 40. Her junior career included reaching the quarterfinals at the USTA National Indoor Championships and winning both the Eastern Sweet 16 title at Glen Head Racket Club and a USTA national level II tournament. As a sophomore, she won a USTA National Level III event at MTC girls 16s. While playing for Brooklyn Tech's varsity girls tennis team as a freshman, she helped secure the school's first NYC PSAL city-wide championship in fifteen years.

Missouri head coach Bianca Turati said, "We are thrilled to announce the addition of Michelle to our team. As a grad transfer from Boston University, she will bring a lot of college playing experience to our roster, said Turati". "She played top in the lineup at her previous school before her unlucky injury. Now she is recovering well, and I have no doubt she will come back stronger than before. Silvia and I cannot wait to have her here to start working together. She has the level we need. Michelle is also very mature and determined. Her character and personality perfectly fit the culture we are building within the program. She will be an important player and leader next year. Welcome on board, Michelle!"

Kleynerman has been recognized as Patriot League Player of the Week (March 21) and twice named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll (2022, 2024). When discussing her decision to attend Missouri, Kleynerman said, "I connected instantly with the coaches, the program's values, and the team environment. I had visited Mizzou before and fell in love with the campus." She noted that some of her favorite aspects of Columbia include athletic facilities, Bud's BBQ restaurant, and life on campus.