NEWARK, NJ—NJIT women's tennis coach Ira Miller announced the signing of two international student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.  The two will enroll and continue their academic and competitive tennis careers in the Fall 2015.

Both student-athletes,  Rafaella Sampaio and Amanda Helminsky will come to NJIT from Sao Paulo, Brazil.  

Rafaella Sampaio is a December 2014 graduate from Campos Salles in her hometown.

Standing at 5-foot-9, Rafaella is one of Brazil's top junior players and has been ranked as high as 5th nationally in the under-16 category, and #6 for under 18.  She advanced to 11 national finals in singles competition (five titles), four national doubles contests (1 title) and 36 regional appearances (19 titles).


Sampaio has also had success playing on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) professional circuit and plans to major in business at NJIT.

"Rafaella's aggressive baseline game will make her a strong addition to the NJIT roster," said Head Coach Ira Miller.  "She's had high-level success in both singles and doubles."

Amanda Helminsky, a December 2014 graduate from Liceu High School, has been ranked as high as 28 nationally in Brazil and #1 in Sao Paulo.

She was crowned singles national champion (2014), national champion in doubles, twice, and won more than 15 titles in Sao Paulo.

"Amanda's extensive International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament experience, her solid baseline game, and ability to finish at the net, makes her a wonderful addition to the NJIT women's tennis roster," says Coach Miller.  "She is a hard worker and I can't wait to see her on campus, and on the court."