Tuesday, May 15, 2007

TUSCULUM WOMEN’S TENNIS RECEIVES FOUR COMMITMENTS

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. ---- Tusculum College women’s tennis coach Tommy Arnett has received commitments from four student-athletes to attend TC and play for the Pioneers.

Joining the Tusculum team this coming fall are Blake Thompson, Katelyn Doss, Nikki Taylor and Heather Hayes.

Thompson, a native of Bristol, Tenn., comes to Tusculum after playing at the No. 1 position for Tennessee High School. She is a three-time All-Conference selection for the Vikings and is currently the sixth ranked player in Tennessee in USTA Girls; 18 and under singles. Thompson was named her team’s most valuable player the last two years and is a four-time letterwinner.

“Blake brings a wealth of junior tennis experience to the college level and she is expected to have an immediate impact in our program,” said Arnett.

Doss, a product of Bristol, Va., player her prep tennis at Virginia High School where she was the No. 1 singles player for the last three years. She was named the 2006 Highlands District Player of the Year and was the Virginia State AA singles runner-up. She is ranked ninth in Tennessee USTA Girls’ 16 and under singles. Doss is a member of the DECA, Queen of Hearts and Future Business Leaders of America.

Katelyn comes from a strong junior background and displays an all-around court game,” added Arnett. “She will establish herself as one of our strongest doubles players next season.”

Taylor played at No. 1 singles for Thomas Walker High School where she lettered four years. The Ewing, Va. native was the 2006 recipient of the “Best All-Around in Tennis” Award. She was named Gatorade Rookie of the Year and is a member of the First Priority Club, Science Club, Library Club and SAVE Club.

“Nikki is looking to take her game to the next level and with experience, will seek a position on our team,” Arnett said.

Hayes, a local product from Afton, Tenn., played at No. 1 singles at North Greene High School. She finished second in 2007 in Watauga District singles and was a First Team All-Conference selection in 2006. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

“Heather has accomplished several quality wins locally and will be looking to take her game to a new dimension.”

Tusculum posted a 15-6 record this season for the Pioneers’ seventh consecutive winning season and sixth in a row under the direction of Coach Arnett.

Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn., is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA and is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference which is comprised of nine colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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