Men's Tennis Inks 4 for 2015-16

Nolan Jones, Rasheed Slade, Brady Smith, and Ben Yeacker are set to join men's tennis program

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois men's tennis coach Mashiska Washington recently announced the signing of Nolan Jones, Rasheed Slade, Brady Smith, and Ben Yeacker to National Letters of Intent to join the WIU men's tennis program. The four newest Leathernecks, who all recently completed successful prep careers, are set to join the Leathernecks to start the 2015-16 season.

"We are excited to have four incoming freshman to become a part of Western Illinois University and our men's tennis program," said Washington. "With their academic background and athletic ability, this combination can help build a solid foundation for the next several seasons. As we look to the up coming season, we are very passionate about the total success of our student-athletes."

Jones, a native of Bowie, Maryland, is a two-time USTA Mid-Atlantic Sectionals Champion, as he and his junior team claimed titles in 2010 and 2014. Jones and his doubles partner finished the 2014 USTA National Championships undefeated and their team finished 4th at the championships. Jones represented Washington D.C. in the Ambassador's Tennis Tournament and began his high school career on a high note, as he won the 2012 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Singles Championship as a freshman.

Slade, a native of Washington D.C., was also a member and co-captain of the 2014 USTA Mid-Atlantic Sectionals Championship team that claimed 4th at the 2014 National Championships. The D.C. native teamed up with Jones to compile an undefeated record in doubles play at the National Championships. Slade also represented Bishop McNamara High School as a four-year varsity player, and compiled a 31-9 record at the No. 1 singles spot in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. He earned an invitation to the 2011 Les Halles Tournament, located in Paris, France, and placed 6th.

Smith is a local product as he is a graduate of Macomb High School. Smith, who has trained under former WIU tennis coach Art Peterson, claimed third place at the Galesburg Invitational last month. A three-time member of the Macomb High Varsity team, Smith was named the team's 'Most Improved Player' as a sophomore. Smith also excels in the classroom as he is an honor roll student and a member of National Honors Society.

Yeacker, who hails from Ortonville, Michigan, is the 32nd-ranked player in Michigan according to tennisrecruiting.net for the class of 2015. A champion of the Peachfest Tournament and a No. 1 seed in Great Lakes Regional Tournaments, Yeacker claimed a Flint Metro League Championships as a member of Brandon High School. The Michigan native has also claimed doubles championships with a number of partners, including his sister in mixed doubles competition.

Print Friendly Version