June 16, 2004
USI women’s tennis signs three
The University of Southern Indiana women’s tennis team announced the signing of three players to national letters of intent for the 2004-05 season. Head Coach Keely Porter signed Reilly Ackerman (Allendale, Illinois), Maggie Coffman (Sellersburg, Indiana), and Sara Wilhoite (Connersville, Indiana).
Ackerman, who will join her sister Kalie on the team, advanced to the Illinois State Finals each season for Mt. Carmel High School in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. She also was the conference and sectional champion in 2003 and 2004 and accumulated a record of 99-16 during her high school career.
Ackerman also helped MCHS to the North Egypt Conference title in 2002 and 2003.
Coffman, an All-District V and honorable mention All-State performer in 2004, comes to the Eagles program after lettering all four seasons at Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, Indiana. The 2003 SCHS Most Valuable Player helped lead the Dragons to sectional championships in 2001, 2003, and 2004.
Coffman also is ranked fourth in 18-doubles and 32nd in 18-singles in the latest Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) rankings.
Wilhoite comes to USI from Connersville High School in Connersville, Indiana, where she was a second team All-State selection in 2003 and was a three-time All-Conference performer. She helped CHS to the Olympic Conference Championship in 2003.
Wilhoite, a 2004 All-District IV and second team All-State player, begins her collegiate career already with ties to the GLVC. Her sister, Grace, was the 2002 GLVC Player of the Year and a two-time All-GLVC performer at the University of Indianapolis.
“These three players make-up the strongest recruiting class I’ve ever brought to USI,” said Porter. “I’m expecting all three to be very competitive for top spots in the line-up this fall.
“They come from competitive high school programs and tennis families,” continued Porter. “Anytime you bring in strong freshmen, it tends to motivate your returning players. I think my five returners are aware of our incoming class’s talent, making them work that much harder in the off season.”
The USI women’s tennis team was 10-7 overall and 6-3 in the GLVC last year, finishing third in the GLVC Tournament.
Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information
