MIAMI (July 12, 2019) - Kamila Umarova of FIU women's tennis represented her home country of Uzbekistan this week, as the Panther competed at the 30th annual Summer University World Games in Napoli, Italy. 

The event is ranked as the second largest competition after the Olympic Games, in terms of importance and number of participants. The southern Italian city welcomes 8,000 athletes from 125 countries. The multi-sport event runs from July 3-14.  Aside from the competition, the University Games is an exchange in culture, solidarity and friendship between the new generations, set in against a backdrop rich in history and culture, always open to hospitality.

Umarova opened the competition impressively with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Erin Lance of the Philippines. The Panther fell to Japan's Sato Naho in the Round of 32 to follow, 6-1, 6-2. Umarova also competed in doubles play, but was downed by Mexico's tandem of Contreras and Villarreal, 6-4, 6-0. 

"I am very proud of Kamila," head coach Katarina Petrovic said. "She had the opportunity to represent FIU and her country, Uzbekistan, at the University World Games. Not many student-athletes have the privilege to play at this amazing event. Kamila has been working very hard and truly deserves to be a part of the second largest team event, after the Olympic Games." 

In her first year, Umarova caught the league's attention with her ability to play and win with multiple doubles partners to make her one of the most dependable players on FIU. She was named to the First Team All-Conference Doubles Team with partner Basak Akbas. Umarova also checked in on the ITA doubles rankings two different times during the season. With Maryna Veklser, she reached a season high at No. 56 and then later ended the season with Akbas at No. 64 on the rankings list. 

Umarova earned a 13-4 record in singles and was 11-4 overall in doubles. The Umarova-Basak duo remained undefeated against conference opponents while playing in the No.1 spot. They ended the season on a two-match win streak, where they downed conference opponents UTEP and North Texas at the C-USA Championships.

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