Sara Kastakova, ranked among the top 300 junior tennis players in the world, has signed with the Arkansas State University women’s tennis team, head coach Sujay Lama announced on April 27.
Kastakova is a Slovak player who has reached a career-high International Tennis Federation (ITF) Juniors ranking of No. 295 and an ITF Women’s ranking of No. 413. She also holds a national junior ranking of No. 6 in Slovakia, reflecting her consistent performances at both junior and senior levels.
“We are thrilled to have Sara join our Red Wolf family,” Lama said. “She checks all the boxes – outstanding student, great talent and athleticism, world class work ethic but most importantly a high character person who will make an impact right away both on and off the court.”
Kastakova cited her immediate connection with the program as key to her decision to sign with Arkansas State. “I chose Arkansas State because from the very first moment I felt a strong connection with the team, the girls, coaches, and the overall environment,” she said. “The family atmosphere, combined with a competitive mindset, made me feel that this is the right place for me to grow both as a player and as a person.
Tennis has always been a huge part of my life, and I am excited to take the next step with the Red Wolves and represent the scarlet and black colors with pride. I am looking forward to working hard every day, improving my game, and contributing to the team’s success.”
In recent years Kastakova won several titles including claiming her second Slovak U18 Doubles Championship title in 2025 and finishing as singles finalist at that year’s Slovak U18 Championships. She was part of two Slovak U18 Team Championship wins in 2024 and 2025 while also helping secure second place finishes in Slovakia’s Women’s Extraliga during those same years.
Her achievements on international circuits include winning doubles at J100 Cyprus Juniors (2025), reaching finals at J200 Pieštany Juniors (2025), capturing singles titles at J60 Tallinn (2024), doubles victories at J60 Široki Brijeg (2024) and Rabat (2023), along with earlier singles wins at J30 Stobrec (2023) and Maria Lanzendorf in Austria (2023).
Observers expect Kastakova’s addition will further strengthen Arkansas State’s roster heading into future seasons.
