Valparaiso University women’s tennis coach Tammy Cecchini has announced that Isabella Schoolcraft has signed to join the program as a freshman for the 2018-2019 season.

Schoolcraft, a native of Bargersville, Ind. and a senior at Center Grove High School, will join Olivia Paradise (Mahtomedi, Minn. / Mahtomedi) to form the 2018-2019 freshman class for Crusader women’s tennis.

“When I met with Coach Tammy, she was the nicest coach I’ve ever experienced,” Schoolcraft said. “When I met the players on the team, they were all extremely nice as well. The people at Valpo were so welcoming, and that was the main factor in my college decision.”

Schoolcraft is the reigning Indiana doubles state champion after taking the title with her doubles partner as a junior in 2017. She brings a track record of doubles success with her to Valpo.

“I expect to see great things from her in doubles, and I believe she can make contributions in both singles and doubles next year,” Cecchini said. “She’s got beautiful strokes and her foundation is amazing. She has so much potential and I can see her becoming a great player for us over the next four years. She’s going to thrive in the college environment.”

Schoolcraft was one of eight players nominated for the Indy Star Sports Awards program that will take place at the end of this month. She has played No. 1 singles since her freshman year and has qualified for the Midwest Closed several years in a row.

In the classroom, Schoolcraft has also thrived, as she is a 4.2 student and plans to major in biology at Valpo. She has garnered all-academic honors all four years of high school.

“Everyone loves her; she’s sweet and kind,” Cecchini said. “She’s going to be a great fit for where this team is going as we continue to progress. She is going to be a great leader and role model for our program down the road. I’m extremely excited to welcome Isabella to our program.”

Valpo has made significant strides on the women’s tennis courts this season, and the arrow is pointing up for the future as the team brings seven of its eight players and its entire starting lineup next season.

“I really want to contribute to my team and I want us to win as many matches as we can,” Schoolcraft said. “I really hope that we have a lot of fun together and compete to the best of our ability. I want to go in and make an immediate impact.”