For Immediate Release: June 2, 2000
Contact: Derek Smolik, UT Pan American SID

UT Pan American Tennis Team Announces Signing of New Mexico Native Julie Fife

EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American Tennis Program announced on Friday the signing of Los Alamos, New Mexico, native Julie Fife to a letter of intent for the 2000-01 academic year.

Fife, a two-sport athlete in high school, brings a strong overall game to Edinburg after four years at Los Alamos High School.  Fife was a three-time All-District selection at LAHS and won the New Mexico State AAA Doubles Championship as a senior.  She posted a combined 31-2 record in singles and doubles as a senior.  With Fife leading the way, Los Alamos won the State AAA Team Championship as well last season.  As a junior, Fife finished third in the state doubles competition.

Also strong on the United States Tennis Association circuit, Fife was ranked 20^th in the Southwest Section last year.  She was also ranked sixth in the state of New Mexico and El Paso.

“She’s going to be expected to play from day one,” said UTPA Head Coach Scott Howard.  “She’s experienced and will continue to improve with experience at the collegiate level.  She will definitely help us in doubles.”

Not only a solid athlete, Fife has a strong record in the classroom as well.  She was named to Who’s Who Among American High School Students and was named an All-American Scholar for her academic achievement.  She was a nominee for the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine and was a member of the People to People student ambassador program.  She has also been honored by the University of New Mexico as a Star Scholar Athlete and New Mexico State with the Honor Scholar Academic Achievement Award.  Fife also was a member of the LAHS Marching Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble.  She was invited to travel with Sound of America Honor Band and Chorus for its European Concert Tour in 1999 and 2000.

“She is someone we will expect to be a leader, despite the fact that she will only be a freshman,” said Howard.  “She’s very bright and will carry herself like a veteran.”

Fife is the Broncs first signing for the upcoming season, however Howard expects that the Lady Broncs will add more signees very soon.