Honolulu (12/8/09) –The HPU Women’s Tennis team signed incoming freshman Carrie Shuler for the 2010-11 season. The announcement was made today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University Athletics Office.

“We are very excited that Carrie will join our nationally ranked tennis team next season,” said HPU Coach Stefan Pampulov. “She is a complete player who has all the necessary shots and potential to be one of the top players in the country. We are expecting her to make an immediate impact on our team and play a significant role in both singles and doubles.”

Shuler is in the midst of her senior year at Millenium High School in Goodyear, Arizona. As a freshman, Shuler won the Class 4A-I doubles championship, and followed that up by winning the 4A-I singles title her sophomore season. In 2009, she placed second in the Arizona state doubles competition.

Shuler helped the Lady Tigers reach the state team semifinals in each of her three years.

“I think Carrie is the type of person that wants a challenge,” said Millennium Coach Jason Beck. “HPU is getting a gem and it will work out great for her. She is a very hard worker and has always found a way to succeed.”

Shuler joins an HPU team that advanced to the NCAA National Quarterfinals each of the last two seasons. They finished 17-8 overall in 2009, and closed the season ranked #2 in the West Region and #12 nationally. They return ITA All-American Zora Vlckova and All-PacWest selections Ingrid Cseh and Nina Mihova.

The Lady Sea Warriors open the 2010 NCAA season on Friday, January 15, against the University of Nevada.