July 1, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
Illinois State's women's tennis head coach Chris Hoover inked his first recruit for the 2008-09 season with the signing of incoming freshman Hannah Esker.
The Effingham, Ill., native and St. Anthony High School graduate shattered her high school's record for singles wins (100) at the No. 1 position, and she holds the school's overall wins record at 153.
Esker was also named to the all-state second team the past three years.
Along with playing tennis, Esker was the pitcher for her school's softball team.
Even though Esker only trained half the year in tennis, Hoover is excited about her potential.
"Once she starts training for tennis year round, the sky is the limit for her success," said Hoover.
Esker will not only add to the team's athletic performance, Hoover says she will add to the team's stellar academic performance as well.
The Redbird women's tennis team set a new athletics record with a team grade-point average (GPA) of 3.7 last fall. Hoover believes Esker will be a perfect fit to next season's roster.
"What I like about her is she is a solid player and a brilliant student," said Hoover. "She is the total package, and she is an excellent addition in every way."
Esker was a member of the National Honor Society, band, Spanish Club, Pep Club, student council, Chess Club, and a cast member in the spring musical, Seussical. She was also honored as an Illinois State Scholar.
Esker is the daughter of Darlene and Louis Esker. She will be majoring in actuarial science in the fall.
