For Immediate Release: June 3, 2000
Contact: Derek Smolik, UT Pan American SID

 UT Pan American Tennis Team Announces Signing of Franklin, Texas, Native Eve Nickelson

EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American Tennis Program announced on Friday the signing of Franklin, Texas, native Eve Nickelson to a letter of intent for the 2000-01 academic year.

Nickelson comes to the Broncs from Temple College where she was a standout for the Leopards the last two seasons for Head Coach Dick King.  Last season she finished fourth in the nation in singles and was named National Junior College Player of the Year.  Playing number one for TC, Nickelson posted 16 wins last season.  She was also a quarterfinalist in the JUCO Doubles Championships.  She also received the 2000 JUCO Southwest District Sportsmanship Award.

Nickelson was excited about coming the Edinburg, stating, “I want to be part of a growing tennis program.  I also really liked Coach Howard and how enthusiastic he is.  The location, weather and how modern the facilities are were factors in my decision to sign with UTPA.”

Prior to attending Temple, Nickelson was a standout athlete at Franklin High School, earning trips to the Texas 2A State Tournament three straight years.  She finished third in the state in singles as a junior and followed that up with a third place showing in doubles as a senior.  She played number one in both singles and doubles all four years at FHS.  Nickelson didn’t just succeed at tennis; she was a five-sport athlete at FHS, including golf, tennis cross-country, track and volleyball.  She holds the FHS records in both the 1600 and 3200 meter in track.  She was named Most Outstanding Girl Athlete at Franklin after her senior season.

“She’s a very talented player and we expect her to compete for a spot at the top of the lineup, possibly number one,” said Head Coach Scott Howard.  “With our team being so young, it will really help to have someone who’s played two years at a top program.  She will also really help us with our leadership.  Like all our incoming recruits she’s an outstanding student.  She’s going to work hard both on and off the court.”

Nickelson comes from a very athletic family.  Her father, William, ran track at Baylor, her brother played golf at Baylor and Sam Houston State, one of her uncles played basketball at Baylor, another uncle played football at Baylor and her grandfather played basketball at Sam Houston State.

Nickelson is the second signee for the Lady Bronc tennis program.  Julie Fife of Los Alamos, New Mexico signed a letter of intent on Friday.