Women's Tennis | 8/7/2015 7:58:00 AM

AUSTIN, Texas – After advancing to the NCAA Regional Tournament in 2015, St. Edward's Women's Tennis head coach Kendall Brooks is pleased to announce the signing of six individuals for the 2015-16 season.
 
"Overall I am very excited about this incoming class," said coach Brooks. "Although we will be a very young team overall, with only one upperclassmen, I think it will be a unique opportunity for all of these players to really come together and build something special over the next four years.  They are all very enthusiastic and motivated to improve and compete, and I think joining this energy with the experience of the returning players will give us a great combination as we try and return to the NCAA Regional Tournament again this year." 
 
Below is a snapshot of the six new Hilltoppers:
 










PAOLA CARPIO – San Salvador, El Salvador (Colegio La Floresta)
 
Member of El Salvador's National U18 team…No. 2 in El Salvador's U18 rankings…winner of multiple CONTECA tournaments in singles and doubles…Junior and Infant Tennis International Competition of Central America and the Caribbean (JITIC) doubles finalist in 2012 and 2014…won third place in the Junior Fed Cup with El Salvador in 2014…took first place in doubles in Central America Council of Sports and Recreation (CODICADER)…advanced to doubles quarterfinals at the El Salvador JITIC and the third round singles in 2014…doubles semifinalist at Copa Maya ITF and Copa Dunlop ITF in 2013…made third round of singles and quarterfinals in doubles at Copa Merengue in 2013…also played volleyball…founding member of the Green Team at Colegio La Floresta…plans to study economics at St. Edward's.
 
"Paola is a stellar athlete with great footwork.  Her quickness on the court, consistency from the baseline, and her ability to move forward and attack will make her very competitive in our lineup."  Head Coach Kendall Brooks
 









LAURA GALVAN – Houston, Texas (Jersey Village HS)
 
An eight-time varsity letterwinner under coach Mary Bancroft at Jersey Village High School…was the No. 1 singles player for girl's varsity…UIL District 17-5A champion in girl's singles…went 9-0 in No. 1 girl's singles play in the fall of 2011 and 2012…Honored as Girl's Varsity Tennis Most Valuable Player…took first place medals at Klein Klassic…First place for boys singles and doubles at Tennis for Tourette's Charity Tournament in 2013 and 2015…placed fourth at UIL regionals in 2013 and 2015 while taking third in 2012 and 2014… member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society…graduated Cum Laude with honors…plans to study biology at St. Edward's.
 
"Laura is an extremely hard-working athlete with great positive energy. She is a fierce competitor and never gives up. This grit and leadership is what I am most excited about her adding to our team next year." Head Coach Kendall Brooks
 







ELISA GUILLEN – New Braunfels, Texas (New Braunfels HS)
 
The 2014-15 team captain for coach David Mueller at New Braunfels High School…helped team to a UIL 5A State Championship in 2013 and runner-up finish in 2014…ranked 28^th in the state of Texas and 318^th nationally in 2015…plans to study kinesiology at St. Edward's
 
"Elisa is a great girl with a huge heart. I know that she will be an amazing team player from the start. I think she has only scraped the surface of her potential, as she has great athleticism and feel for the ball. I look forward to seeing how she progresses over the next four years." Head Coach Kendall Brooks 
 

 
VALENTINA MARTINEZ – Katy, Texas (Cinco Ranch HS)
 
A four-year varsity player for coach Collin Harvey at Cinco Ranch High School…served as team captain from 2013-15…helped team to a district championship and a runner-up finish…advanced to regional semifinals…a member of the National Honor Society…graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average…plans to study biology at St. Edward's.
 
"I am really excited for Valentina to be a Hilltopper next year. Not only do I think she will be another great team player, but she is an extremely bright student and has a passion for the game that you can see when she plays. I think her energy and willingness to fight is going to be fun to watch." Head Coach Kendall Brooks 
 

 
CECILIA OSSMYR – Stockholm, Sweden (Korrespondens Gymnasiet Torsås)
 
Ranked as high as 47^th in Sweden under coach Jessica Lehnoff…currently ranked 179^th….was the winner at Åkersberga TK ICA Kvantum Cup (16's), Nynäshamn TK (15's), and Duvnässpelen...advanced to the final of the NPTK Cup (16's)...made semifinal appearances at the Bålsta TK Combimix Open and Gustavsbergstrofén...quarterfinal appearances at Okarshamn TK Raiskio Cup and in the Netherlands at the Casely International Championships...also competed in downhill skiing and soccer…on her diploma honored for "Excellent knowledge in Spanish"  - Kunskapsskolan Saltsjöbaden…plans to study sport science and kinesiology at St. Edward's.
 
"Cecilia is going to be a great addition for us. She has worked extremely hard and been very committed to her training over her international junior career. Her focus and determination, as well as her enthusiasm to be a part of a team in the college tennis environment, is going to help her be very successful here." Head Coach Kendall Brooks
 

 
ANJALI SAMPATH – Murphy, Texas (Plano East HS)
 
A varsity letterwinner in women's tennis at Plano East Senior High School…won most valuable player honors for the district…went undefeated in district play…plans to major in biology at St. Edward's.
 
"Anjali is a very strong ball striker and has great hands at the net. Her court vision and ability to be an all-court player will help her to make an impact in our lineup in singles and doubles right away." Head Coach Kendall Brooks