CLEMSON, S.C. – Head Coach Boomer Saia opens up his second signing class with two transfers, Jade Groen and Talai Nielson-Gatenby, for the 2025 class.
“We have signed two of the best transfers in the country, and they will help our program a great deal. We are excited about the future, with many familiar faces returning and some new ones joining us as well. There is such a bright future for Clemson Tennis! ”
A transfer from Western Carolina and the 2025 Southern Conference Player of the Year, Jade Groen from Zoetermeer, Netherlands, joins the Clemson Tigers. Groen, a 5’11 singles phenom, is coming off a stellar junior season, going 17-2 overall and 7-0 in conference play. In doubles, Groen finished at 16-7 overall and 6-1 in conference play. Additionally, Groen was named to the SoCon All-First Team for singles and doubles play, was named the SoCon Player of the Week three times, and received CSC Academic All-District honors.
“Jade will be an incredible fit for our program. As soon as we spoke, we aligned on a lot of goals, and we believe Jade’s tennis will continue to rise while becoming a tiger!”
During her sophomore year, Groen was named the SoCon’s Women’s Tennis Player of the Month for March. Academically, Groen was named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll as well as the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic All-Conference list.
In Groen’s freshman campaign, she went 14-6 overall in singles play and 15-5 in doubles play. She was named to the SoCon Second Team All-Conference in doubles play and was additionally named to the League’s All-Freshman team. Groen rounded out the year with 2022-23 SoCon Honor Roll honors.
“I chose Clemson because of how immediately I clicked with the coaches,” Groen said. “They were very personable and welcoming to me while also remaining very clear about all they want to accomplish next year. The girls were very kind and made me feel right at home the moment I stepped on campus. I feel very good about joining them this year
Hailing from Loughborough, England, Neilson-Gatenby adds collegiate experience to the Tigers. During her freshman season with the Florida Gators, she competed primarily at the No. three singles position, achieving an 11-19 overall match record and securing notable victories, including a straight-sets win over Alabama’s Klara Milicevic. In doubles play, she amassed an 8-16 overall record, partnering with various teammates throughout the season.
“Talia comes to Tigertown as a very decorated player,” Head Coach Boomer Saia said on the addition of Nielsen-Gatenby. He continued, “It was evident early on that we connected well in the recruiting process, and we could not be happier that she is becoming a Clemson Tiger!”
Before her collegiate career, Neilson-Gatenby trained at the LTA National Academy in Loughborough. She qualified for the 2022 Wimbledon Junior Championships and reached a career-high WTA Women’s ranking of No. 541 in singles. In May 2024, she clinched the 15k ITF doubles title in Monastir, Tunisia.
“I chose Clemson University because of its strong sense of community, which is especially important to me as an international athlete living far from home,” Neilson-Gatenby said. “The ‘Clemson Family’ is a culture built on support, pride, and deep-rooted traditions. From my very first conversations, I felt a real connection with the coaches. Their genuine passion for developing each player—both on the court and as individuals—stood out immediately. They work hard to build strong, personal relationships and truly value the unique strengths each athlete brings to the team. One of my favorite features is the ‘Play For Her’ wall in the team area. The girls, before I even arrived, made me feel so welcome through video calls, virtual tours, and team messages. I can’t wait to start and be part of the team.”
The Tigers concluded their 2025 season with a 14-12 overall record and a 4-8 conference record. The 2025 season also marked the first time since 2018 that the Tigers were selected for postseason play in the NCAA Tournament. Clemson looks to continue growing with the addition of transfers Groen and Nielson-Gatenby to its already well-rounded, young program
