Murray State University Athletics
MSU Women's Tennis Signs Four
5/3/2010 8:31:00 PM | Women's Tennis
Murray State Head Women's Tennis Coach Connie Keasling announced the signing of four student-athletes that will join the program in Murray, Ky. as the fall 2010 recruiting class.
The Racers welcome Kristen Garcia (Trenton, Tenn), Casey Johnson (Plano, Texas), Carla Suga (Toronto, Ontario) and Taylor Vick (Bellaire, Texas).
"In my opinion, this is a recruiting class of champions and I am very excited about them," Keasling said. "This group has the ability to compete at a high level, and is very gifted; they have proven to be achievers; and can help the Racers compete for the Ohio Valley Conference championship, the OVC Sportsmanship Award, and the OVC Academic Team Award."
Kristen Garcia
Trenton, Tenn.
Milan High School
Kristen was captain for three seasons at Milan HS and named all-district for three times ... She was named a Wendy's High School Heisman Award winner for the fall of 2009 ... She ranked first in her class of 180 at Milan HS and was field commander for three years in the marching band ... Garcia was selected as a Tennessee Scholar and National Hispanic Scholar ... She attended the Mel Purcell Tennis Camp from 2007-09 ... Kristen's parents are Dennis and Christine Garcia ...
Coach Keasling on Kristen Garcia
"Kristen comes to MSU having been recognized for her academics, leadership, and community service and as a solid tennis player for her high school."
Casey Johnson
Plano, Texas
Shelton HS
Casey is a four time Texas State Champion, having won two titles in class 5A and twice in class 3A ... She was named the Dallas Morning News High School Player of the Year in 2009 and won the Texas Female Sportsmanship Award in 2008 ... In 2006, she was part of the Texas National Team that won the national championship ... After her senior season, she earned the Shelton HS Athlete of the Year award ... She also participated in cross country ... She won the Texas Girls' 18-under Open as a 15-year old ... Casey comes from a tennis family as her father, Russ played at Wisconsin-Milwaukee and mother Cindy, at LSU ... Casey's parents are Russ and Cindy Johnson.
Coach Keasling on Casey Johnson
"Casey's tennis skills and her ability to challenge for the championship in every tournament she plays speak volumes for the kind of competitor she is."
Taylor Vick
Bellaire, Texas
Bellaire HS
In 2007, Taylor won the 16-Under Texas Open Championship and Houston Women's Open Doubles Championship ... In 2008, she was ranked second in the nation in 14-under doubles ... She won four Texas SuperChamps Doubles titles and in 2009, won the championship of the King Daddy Junior Open ... Taylor comes from a tennis family as her mother Jan, was a player in Australia and her grandfather George Worthington, was a member of the Davis Cup team from Australia ... Her parents are Travis and Jan Vick.
Coach Keasling on Taylor Vick
"There is no doubt that Taylor will be our doubles specialist. She can make things happen on the court, and is a tremendous athlete."
Carla Suga
Toronto, Ontario
Vaughn Road Academy
In 2008, Carla advanced to the 18-under quarterfinals of the Canadian Outdoor Nationals and finished fifth at the Ontario Provincials Indoor Championship in 2006 ... In 2003, she won the Romanian National Championship against Ana Bogdon, the top ITF junior player at the time ... Carla was a Canada National Selection Champion in 14-under and also participated in track & field and cross country ... Carla's parents are Viorel and Lucia Suga.
Coach Keasling on Carla Suga
"Carla's international exposure and her mental approach to her game will give us consistency and depth."
