WTEN Inks Three to NLIs
11/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
SPOKANE, Wash.—The Gonzaga University women's tennis program inked three current high school seniors to National Letters of Intent recently and will add each to the squad for the 2015-16 season. Graciela Rosas, Sophie Whittle, and Nevada Apollo all committed to Gonzaga and will compete as freshman in a year's time.
"Not only are we excited about this recruiting class because it is the best signed in school history, but also we know that Graciela, Sophie, and Nevada will represent Gonzaga and the values of our tennis program," said D.J. Gurule, head coach of the Gonzaga women's tennis team. "We are thrilled to welcome all three ladies as we know they are hard workers who embody everything it means to be a Zag."
Graciela Rosas - Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
Rosas has been named the top tennis player in Mexicali each year since 2007 and has been ranked No. 1 in both her section and her state for the last six years. She's represented Baja California in each of the last five National Olympics, winning the gold medal in 2011. Rosas also picked up a couple of tournament victories within the last year, winning the 2014 Desert Princes Spring Open Championship and the 85th Annual Balboa Open Maureen Connolly Memorial. Throughout her tennis career, Rosas has tallied big wins against some of the best competition from both Mexico and the United States, beating players committed to Vanderbilt and San Diego and toppling a current freshman playing for the University of Colorado.
Why Graciela chose Gonzaga: "I was really impressed with the family atmosphere that Coach Gurule has installed at Gonzaga and I know the teammates will make it fell like home. I chose to become a Zag because I know my tennis will improve with the dedication and commitment of the Gonzaga women's tennis program."
Coach Gurule on Graciela: "We are very fortunate to have Graciela join our program as she brings a tremendous amount of international success. We know that Graciela is a player who will make a huge impact in our line up from the moment she steps on to campus."
Sophie Whittle - Nipomo, Calif.
Whittle is one of the top 25 recruits in California and ranked No. 118 in the nation. She's helped lead Arroyo Grande High School to the CIF Southern Section Division 3 title, the team's first sectional championship in history. Whittle has been unbeatable in league play throughout all four years, going 121-0 with four PAC 8 singles championships while with the Eagles. Whittle chose Gonzaga over Loyola Marymount, UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly, and UC Davis.
Why Sophie chose Gonzaga: "I chose Gonzaga because I felt really connected with the team and the coaches. When I saw the campus I was excited that the school I would be going to would have a different feel considering the seasons, which California doesn't have. The school itself was really beautiful, but stuck out most was the tennis program. The coaches were really enthusiastic and they really want just want you to get better as a person on and off the court. I am looking forward to becoming close with my teammates and improving my tennis."
Coach Gurule on Sophie: "Sophie is a player who we are eager to start working with as she is one of the best athletes and competitors we have seen. She understands and is ready to embrace the team mentality of collegiate tennis, and will add so much experience and leadership to our roster."
Nevada Apollo - Las Vegas, Nev.
Apollo commits to Gonzaga as the No. 2 recruit from the state of Nevada, and she's been ranked as high as 87th nationally. Currently training at the Advantage Tennis Academy in Irvine, Calif., Apollo picked up a tournament win in the 98th Annual La Jolla Jr. Tennis Tournament in June. She's also tallied some big wins over recent college commits, beating players that have committed to Tennessee, Utah, and Denver.
Why Nevada chose Gonzaga: "Before I went on my visit, D.J. and Caroline kept talking about the family feel and once I visited, I really felt that. A huge factor in making my decision was the team and the coaches. They are so great, on my visit they really made me feel at home. I am most looking forward to being a part of the team. Tennis is such an individual sport in the juniors, and having the opportunity to be a part of that really excites me. Another thing I am really excited for is having coaches who really believe in their players and improving the person as a whole. I don't see that often in coaches, it's really something special."
Coach Gurule on Nevada: "Nevada is one of the most competitive players we have been fortunate enough to recruit. Her ‘whatever it takes' mentality coupled with her desire to improve during her collegiate career, will fit extremely well into our development-focused program."
"We are privileged and humbled that Graciela, Nevada, and Sophie chose to become a part of our Gonzaga family," Gurule said. "Our team loved having them on campus during their official visits, and we know that all three will be integral pieces to the future of our program."
The current batch of Bulldogs are done with competition for the fall but will re-start with one final tournament: the WSU Maui Hidden Duals. That tournament will run January 8-11 on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
