THIBODAUX, La. – With the graduation of four seniors, the Nicholls State University men's program has signed seven student-athletes in its 2017 recruiting class, head coach
Greg Harkins announced Wednesday on signing day.
"We are very excited for this incoming class of men and women," said Coach Harkins, who is finishing his first season at the helm of the tennis programs. "These players from all over the world have obtained the highest rankings regionally, nationally and globally. Furthermore, we believe their character and family backgrounds are what we are looking for as we grow the programs to build a culture of success on and off the court here at Nicholls State University."
All seven of the signees are international players, with two coming from Spain. For the complete list of the 2017 signees, please see below.
Alvaro Barranco Vilaltella - Lleida, Spain
Ranked top 250 in Spain, and is a UTR 12… right-handed, 5-foot-10 and likes to play an all-court game… favorite players are Frances Tiafoe and Gael Monfils… enjoys watching sports on television, playing soccer with his friends and spending time with family.
Lewis Cox - Sheffield, England
Ranked in the top 10 in his area and has a UTR of 11.7… 5-foot-8, right-handed and is a baseline grinder… favorite player is Roger Federer… enjoys hanging out with friends… plans on majoring business.
Nestor Giribet Lopez - Catalonia, Spain
Highly ranked in the Catalonia area of Spain and is a UTR 13… Right-handed, 5-foot-10 and likes to play a strong all-court game… favorite player is Roger Federer… enjoys playing soccer and spending time with friends.
Valentin Guyot - Namur, Belgium
Ranked 103 in Belgium and has a UTR equivalent of 12.5… Right-handed, 5-foot-8 and likes to play a strong baseline game… favorite player is Rafa Nadal… enjoys vacationing, playing soccer and spending time with his friends and family… plans on majoring in business.
Tobias Lentz - Risskov, Denmark
Ranked in top 20 in Denmark with a 12 UTR… recently was a Quarterfinalist at the Denmark National Championships… right-handed, 6-foot-2 all-court player… favorite player is Roger Federer… enjoys making and listening to music… will be majoring in music theory.
Dylan Loru - Sydney, Australia
Has a dual Italian citizenship… ranked top 120 in Australia and is a 12 UTR… 6-foot-1, right-handed all-court player… favorite player is Roger Federer… enjoys hanging out with friends… plans on majoring in business.
Eduardo Marino - Sao Paolo, Brazil
One of the top players in his region of Sao Paolo and has a 12 UTR. Right-handed, 6-foot-1 and likes to play an aggressive style game… favorite player is Andy Murray… likes to spend time with friends and family… plans to major in business.
The Colonels will close out the regular season Friday, April 14 as they host Lamar for Senior Day. First serve at the Colonel Tennis Complex is scheduled for 1 p.m.
