Valparaiso University women's tennis coach Tim Maluga has announced the signings of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2003-2004 school year. Joining the Crusaders in the fall are Whitney Chada, Kate Evangelist, and Rachel Janssen.

Chada, a native of Downers Grove, Ill., was a two-time All-State selection for Downers Grove North H.S. She qualified for the state championships all four years and was a sectional champion as a senior. Chada also was named to the All-Conference Team twice and received the Illinois Sportsmanship Award as a senior.

?Whitney is a seasoned veteran of Midwest USTA tournaments whose tremendous athleticism and wonderful personality are well known in her native Chicago area," Maluga said.

Evangelist, from Glen Ellyn, Ill., posted top-16 finishes at the state championships each of the last two seasons for Glenbard West High School. A two-time All-State selection, she finished fourth at the 2002 Girls' Midwest Open and the Chicago District Girls' 18 singles.

?Kate is a rising star in Midwest USTA tennis from the Chicago area. She is still a raw talent whose intelligence and consistency have carried her success to this point, and whose work ethic guarantees future improvement," said Maluga.

Janssen, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., is a three-time First Team All-Conference selection at Bishop Luers High School. A four-year letterwinner, she led her team to the sectional championship in 2003 and advanced to regionals as an individual her freshman year.

?Rachel is a raw talent whose intelligence and consistency have made her an accomplished player to this point, but who we expect has her best days ahead of her," Maluga said of Janssen.

?We are very excited to have three such accomplished Midwest player joining the fold next year, and look forward to having them help us get into the NCAA Tournament.