Oklahoma State University Athletics
A Star in the Making: Ange Oby Kajuru’s Journey to Cowgirl Tennis
January 11, 2024 | Cowgirl Tennis
Ange Oby Kajuru is no stranger to success at the collegiate level. From Big 12 Freshman of the Year to a regular season individual conference champion, Kajuru has dominated wherever she is.
From Japan to Iowa to Oklahoma, success has followed Kajuru wherever she goes. Now ranked at No. 2 in the ITA singles rankings, she is the highest ranked Cowgirl in program history and has lofty expectations to meet. The one thing that has eluded Kajuru her entire career is the one thing she aims to claim for the Cowgirls in 2024: a team national championship.
"Oby," as her teammates like to call her, began her career in Japan where she played at EMPIRE Academy, before beginning her collegiate career at Iowa State. In her two years in Ames, Oby's list of accomplishments was hard to miss: 2022 All-Big 12 Freshman Team, 2022 All-Big 12 Singles second team, 2023 All-Big 12 Doubles first team, 2023 All-Big 12 Singles first team as well as being a four-time Big 12 player of the week selection.
Transferring to Oklahoma State for her junior season has been a huge boost for the Cowgirls. Kajuru went 16-3 in singles this fall and 14-3 in doubles matches, as well as leading her doubles pairing with Anastasiya Komar to a fall national championship match.
"This fall felt amazing," Kajuru said. "Last year I just kept losing and losing over and over again in the first or second round. This year, though, I was able to win those tough matches and advance deeper into tournaments. I've gained so much experience through the years, and this fall I was really able to show that experience."
Cowgirl tennis head coach Chris Young talked about their pursuit to lure Kajuru to Stillwater.
"We were aware of Oby, having competed against her," Young said. "But once in the portal, I was drawn to her from our first conversation because of her desire to find a place where she would be challenged and coached. She was focused on the things we value, and I knew that would give us a chance to land her and for her to be successful here."
After a fall filled with success, Young had high praise for the Cowgirl newcomer and is excited about what the spring season can bring.
"Oby has had one of the most impressive fall seasons in our program history," Young said. "She has met every single challenge and has improved significantly since her arrival. My expectation is for her to continue to develop and continue as one of the top players this spring."
Kajuru has settled in at OSU and is seeing results like never before. She attributes much of her success to the guidance of her new coaches.
"[Chris Young] is such a great guy," Kajuru said. "I love his coaching style as well as Jamie's [Sanchez-Canamares]. Coach is so calm, and I love that about him. It makes me feel more comfortable because he is that way. I feel like I can win every match with them by my side."
The No. 2 ranked player in the nation will kick off her quest for a national championship on January 19 when the Cowgirls host No. 5 Michigan at the Greenwood Tennis Center to open their spring season.
Players Mentioned
