Two Join Tennis Program
7/16/2026 7:50:00 AM | Women's Tennis
OXFORD, Ohio – Miami University head tennis coach Ricardo Rosas has announced two additions to his program. Clara Owen and Zara Darken will join the team for the 2026-27 season.
Clara Owen, Jr., Dayton, Ohio (Centerville)/Xavier
At Xavier:
High School:
What Assistant Coach Matt Moore has to Say: "We are excited to welcome Clara. She has a proven record of success, having been part of Big East championship teams. Her experience, competitiveness and work ethic also helped her make a run in the NCAA Doubles Championship. We are thrilled to have her join our tennis family."
What Coach Rosas has to Say: "As Coach Matt mentioned, from our very first conversation, it was clear that Clara understands what it takes to compete for championships. Her desire to improve every day and her hunger to become the best version of herself align perfectly with our mission of Graduating Champions and our core values of integrity, work ethic, coachability, grit and courage. We are excited to welcome Clara to Miami and look forward to seeing her growth and the impact she will have on our program both on and off the court."
Zara Darken, Fr., Palermo, Italy (Istituto Superione Majorana)
High School:
What Coach Rosas has to Say: "Zara brings a tremendous combination of talent, experience, and potential to our program. Her success as a junior, along with her experience competing in professional 15K and 35K tournaments, has prepared her for the next step in her development. We believe she has all the qualities to become a significant contributor to our team. Just as importantly, Zara embodies our mission of Graduating Champions through our core values of integrity, work ethic, coachability, grit, and courage. We are excited to welcome her to our tennis family and look forward to watching her grow both as a player and as a person."
Clara Owen, Jr., Dayton, Ohio (Centerville)/Xavier
At Xavier:
- Went 10-9 in singles competition and 17-3 in doubles play in 2025-26
- In two years with the Musketeers she went 19-12 at singles and 33-8 in doubles
- 2024-25 BIG EAST All-Academic Team
- 2025 NCAA Doubles Championship Qualifier
- ITA Ohio Valley Regional Doubles Finalist
- ITA Doubles Ranking: No. 17 (Program Best)
High School:
- Graduated from Centerville High School
- Rated as the No. 96 recruit in the country by TennisRecruiting.net
- Two-time OHSAA doubles state champion
- Two-time Bronze Ball doubles champion
What Assistant Coach Matt Moore has to Say: "We are excited to welcome Clara. She has a proven record of success, having been part of Big East championship teams. Her experience, competitiveness and work ethic also helped her make a run in the NCAA Doubles Championship. We are thrilled to have her join our tennis family."
What Coach Rosas has to Say: "As Coach Matt mentioned, from our very first conversation, it was clear that Clara understands what it takes to compete for championships. Her desire to improve every day and her hunger to become the best version of herself align perfectly with our mission of Graduating Champions and our core values of integrity, work ethic, coachability, grit and courage. We are excited to welcome Clara to Miami and look forward to seeing her growth and the impact she will have on our program both on and off the court."
Zara Darken, Fr., Palermo, Italy (Istituto Superione Majorana)
High School:
- Graduated from Istituto Superiore Majorana High School
- Coached by Francesco Cina
- Represented Kazakhstan (U12 & U14 National Teams)
- Asian Cup Champion (U12)
- Tennis Europe U14 Career High Ranking: No. 21
- ITF Junior Career High Ranking: No. 490
- ITF J60 Doubles Champion
- Competed in WTA 250 Palermo Ladies Open
- Competed in the ITF Women's World Tennis Tour W15 and W35 tournaments
What Coach Rosas has to Say: "Zara brings a tremendous combination of talent, experience, and potential to our program. Her success as a junior, along with her experience competing in professional 15K and 35K tournaments, has prepared her for the next step in her development. We believe she has all the qualities to become a significant contributor to our team. Just as importantly, Zara embodies our mission of Graduating Champions through our core values of integrity, work ethic, coachability, grit, and courage. We are excited to welcome her to our tennis family and look forward to watching her grow both as a player and as a person."
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