THIBODAUX  – Nicholls State University women's tennis head coach Meenakshi Sundaram announced the signing of Rachel Howie, a native of Mandeville, La., for the upcoming 2012-13 school year.

“Rachel is a valuable addition to our program, being the No.  1 player in the 18's in Louisiana. And further, with roots in Thibodaux, I am hoping that the local community will be more active in our tennis program,” said Coach Sundaram.  “Rachel has immense potential as a player due to her phenomenal athletic ability. She is raw and talented and will mature to be one of the best players in our conference. Her intensity is exactly what I look for in my recruits and I expect big things from her next year.”

Howie, who attends Mandeville High School, currently ranks 46th in the Gulf States and 354th nationally. As a junior, Howie reached the state doubles championship, helping lead the team to a state title. In her previous year, Howie captured the Class 5A doubles title with the team earning state runner-up.

In the classroom, Howie has made the honor roll in seven consecutive semesters and earned the 2011 Wendy's High School Heisman at Mandeville. Also in 2011, she was nominated for the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (LA-STEM) Research Scholars Program .