CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi director of tennis
Steve Moore has announced the additions of three student-athletes to the 2020-21 Islanders tennis rosters. This spring's signees include Nathan Schwartz, Kateryna Rublevska and Emma Aucagne.
"We could not be happier about signing these three elite players," Moore said. "Their level and ranking speak for itself. What impressed our coaching staff the most, however, was that every coach we called, and we called a lot, had the highest respect for their character, work ethic and team culture. We feel they share the Islanders values of team unity, grit, discipline and family, so we are very excited about the future!"
Schwartz played his firsts two seasons at Northern Kentucky University, where he played at the No. 1 singles position for the Norse. He has a 12.0 UTR and maintains a 3.9 GPA.
"We loved Nathan's values of team unity, hard work and discipline," said Moore. "Nathan comes from the legendary French coach Daniel Contet, who was respected world wide for developing players of high character. We knew after talking with Nathan he was a special fit for our team culture and we are so excited to have a player of his level and character join the Islanders. He is tough and experienced and we feel he will contribute right away. Welcome Nathan to the Islander tennis family!"
Rublevska has a 9.5 UTR and is the No. 3 ranked junior in Ukraine. She was also a member of the Junior Fed Cup team that took second in the world.
"Kateryna has great motivation and a goal of playing professionally," Moore said. "She was looking for a team that emphasized character, team unity and discipline. She emphasize that from the very beginning and we really connected right away. Kateryna has been ranked top three in Ukraine in every age group and has been a 10 UTR. Her character and work ethic impressed us so much and we're very excited she chose the Islanders. Welcome to the Islander tennis family Kateryna!"
Aucagne has a 10.47 UTR and is an ITF Top-300 player. She is also a top-15 nationally ranked junior in France.
"We are so excited about Emma," said Moore. "She is extremely driven to play professional tennis and was looking for a team with the work ethic, coaching, and culture to develop her game. She has been rising in the world rankings And just cracked the top 300 in the ITF world junior rankings. Emma is a year younger than most in her age group so her potential is tremendous! We feel her motivation and work ethic or a great fit for the Islanders! Welcome to the Islander tennis family Emma!"
As a program, the Islanders have reached 11 NCAA Tournaments in program history and captured 23 Southland titles in the last 13 years. The men are seeking the program's ninth NCAA Tournament appearance. The women have won three of the past four Southland Conference regular season titles.
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