Gonzaga women’s tennis head coach Natalie Pluskota-Hamberg announced on May 15 the addition of graduate transfer Luana Avelar, who will join the team after her career at Colorado State University. Avelar, originally from Patos de Minas, Brazil, will pursue a graduate degree in Business Analytics at Gonzaga University.
The announcement highlights the program’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its roster with experienced and accomplished players. Avelar’s arrival is expected to bring both skill and leadership to the Bulldogs’ lineup for the upcoming season.
“We’re excited to welcome Luana to the Zag family,” Pluskota-Hamberg said. “Her relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and high tennis IQ make her a tremendous addition to our program. Luana brings a contagious energy and competitive mindset that will elevate those around her, and we’re confident she’ll make an immediate impact both on the court and within our team culture.”
Avelar said she was grateful for this opportunity: “So excited for this new chapter of my life and beyond thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Zag family.”
During her time at Colorado State University, Avelar earned All-Mountain West Conference doubles honors in 2025-26 after returning from injury with a strong performance alongside partner Sorcha Caves. She posted a 16-5 doubles record overall that season, including a 6-1 mark in league play. In singles competition during spring dual matches at No. 1 position, she went 11-12 and recorded a ranked win over Minnesota’s Aiva Schmitz.
Avelar also showed strong results as an underclassman; as a sophomore in 2023-24 she finished with all singles wins at the Mountain West Conference tournament—including clinching victory over Wyoming—and ended doubles play with three straight wins alongside Logan Voeks earning All-Tournament honors plus Academic All-Mountain West recognition.
Before college, Avelar trained in Florida where she reached an ITF junior ranking of 328 and collected multiple junior titles internationally in both singles and doubles.
Avelar is set to join Gonzaga Bulldogs for the upcoming season.
