Howard Joffe, Texas women’s tennis head coach, announced Friday that Czech tennis player Barbora Palicova will join the program in spring 2027.
“I chose Texas because I feel like it’s the right place for me for the next chapter of my life and tennis career,” Palicova said in a Texas Athletics press release.
For Joffe, the enthusiasm surrounding Palicova’s signing comes not only from the skill she brings, but also from her character.
“I am thrilled to report that Barbora is every bit as wonderful of a person as she is a player,” Joffe said in a Texas Athletics press release. “I intend to work hard to help her reach her goals and can’t wait to see her don the burnt orange and white.”
Palicova, a native of Mnetěš, Czechia, joins Texas with an extensive resume that includes multiple qualifying appearances at all four Grand Slam tournaments, reaching the second round of qualifying at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2023 and 2025 and Roland Garros in 2023.
That experience is reflected in her career-high WTA singles ranking of No. 171 and her current ranking of No. 179.
Palicova’s talent has been on Joffe’s radar for some time.
“I have been aware of Barbora’s tennis prowess for a few years, ever since our Texas Ex Charlotte Chavatipon told us in 2022 that she had just been beaten by the best player she has ever played,” Joffe said in a Texas Athletics press release.
Before Texas announced the signing, Joffe alluded to the incoming addition.
“We’ve got a formidable team,” Joffe said on Oct. 6. “We are going to have one player join our team in January, which will upset everyone who isn’t a Texas fan, because she is as good a player as anyone can possibly imagine for college.”
Palicova’s results offer just a glimpse of what she could bring to Texas. She won 14 of 15 matches across three tournaments this year, earning titles in Hechingen, Germany and Bytom, Poland, and finishing as the runner-up in Koksijde, Belgium.
Texas finished last season 19–8 overall and fifth in the Southeastern Conference, reaching its sixth consecutive NCAA Sweet 16 before falling 4-2 to NC State.
Palicova’s arrival will add depth to a Texas roster alongside fellow newcomers junior Rose Marie Nijkamp, an Oklahoma State transfer who signed in May, and Italian freshman Arianna Zucchini, who signed with the Longhorns in July.
At Texas, Palicova plans to keep developing her game professionally while competing on a team.
“I’m excited to be part of a team and keep improving both on and off the court,” Palicova said in a Texas Athletics press release. “I see it as a great opportunity to challenge myself in a new environment, meet new people and experience college tennis while still working toward my goals.”
