Howard, Sugiyama Commit to U-M During Early Signing
11/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan women's tennis coach Bitsy Ritt announced today (Tuesday, Nov. 23) that the Wolverines signed two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Lindsey Howard (Richmond, Va./Mills E. Godwin HS) and Chisako Sugiyama (Parsippany, N.J./The Montclair Kimberley Academy) will both join U-M for the 2005-06 season.
"We look forward to next year when Lindsey and Chisako join our program," commented Ritt. "While they each have different playing strengths, both are experienced players who have the potential to significantly develop in college. Academically, Lindsey and Chisako are accomplished students who will take advantage of all that Michigan has to offer. They will be excellent additions to our team, on and off the court."
Howard has been ranked as high as No. 67 in the USTA Girls 18-and-under national rankings this year and finished No. 117 in the Girls 16-and-under national poll in 2003. Sugiyama is currently listed No. 65 in Girls 18-and-under and finished No. 40 in Girls 16-and-under last year.
The Wolverines will graduate two seniors following the 2004-05 campaign. Michelle DaCosta (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne HS) and Leanne Rutherford (Calgary, Alberta/National Sports School) will exhaust their eligibility after the completion of the dual match season.
Contact: Marc Ressler (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
