Nov. 17, 2006
Santa Clara, Calif. - The Santa Clara University women's tennis program announced the signing of Andrea Kwong and Carmen Pham to national letters of intent. Kwong is a top ranked player in both singles and doubles in Canada, and Pham is ranked for singles in the United States. Both will be entering the competitive women's tennis program as freshmen next fall.
"Both Andrea and Carmen are excellent tennis players, as well as great people," said Interim Head Coach Ben Cabell. "They are going to represent the university very well and make an immediate impact on our program."
Kwong, from Calgary, Alberta in Canada is currently ranked number 18 in singles and number 17 in doubles in Canada, as well as being number one in Alberta, Canada. Not only has she been successful in Canada, but has experience in international tournaments. In 2005 she competed in the Metro Label U16 Canadian Junior Championships.
"I am very excited about Andrea coming to Santa Clara," said Cabell. "She is going to have an immediate impact on our line up because we are losing three seniors next year. I feel very confident that Andrea will be able to step in and play well right away."
Pham of San Ramon, California is currently ranked number eight in Northern California and number 180 in the United States for singles. In 2006 she participated in the USTA Girls' 18 National Championships, as well as the USTA Northern California Herb Cup where she was number one in doubles.
"Carmen is a tremendous player with great energy and intensity on the court," said Cabell. "Besides coming in with great results she has the potential to really excel at Santa Clara and take her game to the next level."
Kwong and Pham are both finishing their senior year of high school, and will join the Santa Clara women's tennis team in the fall of 2007.
The current Santa Clara women's tennis team will resume play for the spring season on Feb. 3, 2007 at UC Santa Barbara.