The Valparaiso University men’s tennis program has announced the addition of Nick Marino, who has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Crusaders for the 2017-18 season.

Marino, a native of Northbrook, Ill. and current senior at Glenbrook North High School, is a four-star recruit, according to tennisrecruiting.net. He is ranked seventh in Illinois, 26^th in the Great Lakes Region and 264^th in the nation.

Marino was a USTA national hard courts boys 16's top 48 singles finisher in 2015. He won the midwest outdoor closed for doubles in the summer of 2015, and came in fifth for singles at the midwest closed in the summer of 2015. 

Marino made the decision to attend Valpo in April of his junior campaign.

“I was very impressed by the team’s success,” Marino said. “When I got to know the school, I was blown away. I love how the tennis program has really turned around. I’m excited to be a part of the program.”

The future Crusader holds an 87-20 prep record. He was a three-time all-conference player and two-time state qualifier in doubles. 

Although Marino has yet to begin his collegiate career, he has already found success against one of Valpo’s conference rivals. Over the summer, he competed in a USTA-sanctioned tournament at the Valpo Tennis Complex and defeated Cleveland State No. 1 singles player Joe VanMeter, who had just completed his senior season with the Vikings.

Marino and teammate Austin Klapman reached the quarterfinals of the Illinois high school state doubles tournament this year. 

The newest Crusader is confidence he can make an immediate impact on the program when he joins the fold next year.  

“When I first step onto the practice court, I’m going to be really excited,” Marino said. “I know some of the guys already; they’re awesome guys to practice with and be around. We’re all going to get so much better together. I look forward to trying to make a run next year.”