DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central women's tennis coach Sofia Rachi announced a new signee for the fall 2023 class Patricia Palencia.

Palencia is a native of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, and holds an impressive resume on the court. She attended Doral Academy in Doral, Florida where she was part of a unit that produced four straight FHSAA Class 3A State Tennis Championships.

Individually at Doral, Palencia was a District and Regional champion in the 2022 season, she earned the Leadership Award, and was named Rookie of the Year as a Freshman.

Additionally, she teamed up with Vanderbilt University commit Valeria Ray to earn their school's first-ever Class 3A State Doubles Title in 2021.

Prior to Palencia moving to the United States, she was a top-ranked player in Venezuela from the ages of 10-14.

In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing, shopping, and watching tennis. Once she becomes an Eagle she will major in Criminology.

Up next, NCCU (1-4) will host Campbell on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Dr. James W. Younge Tennis Courts at 11:00 a.m.

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