CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois head coach Brad Dancer announced the addition of Aron Hiltzik (Wilmette, Ill. / New Trier High) to the Illini men's tennis family on Wednesday. The younger brother of sophomore Jared Hiltzik, signed his letter of intent this afternoon and will join the Illini next fall. 

 

"Marcos and I and the team are tremendously excited to officially welcome Aron into the Fighting Illini program," Dancer said. "We believe in Aron's ability to impact our squad immediately. Not only is he a great tennis player, but he possesses an inquisitive mind that will integrate well into our university culture. David and Arlyn Hiltzik have raised two outstanding boys and we are thrilled to have both of them representing our university."

 

Tennisreruiting.net gives Aron a five-star ranking. In addition, they rank him 19th overall in the 2014 class and the third best in the state of Illinois. So far in 2013, Hiltzik has produced a 50-18 overall record in junior competition. Other notable career highlights include 2013 Midwest Closed Boys 18s Champion and the 2012 Easter Bowl Boys 16s Singles Finalist. 

 

"I chose Illinois because I connected with the coaches and team really well," Hiltzik said. "The team has produced many pros in the past years and I believe that going to this school would help me reach that goal of becoming a professional tennis player. I believe that this team can win another national championship in the future and I would love to be a part of it. I had a great relationship with the coaches Brad Dancer and Marcos Asse and they have a plan for the team and I to become successful. My brother is on the team and he is a great role model to be around. My coach Billy Heiser went to Illinois and he told me that it is a great school academically and the alumni are like a family. I am very excited to start playing tennis for the Fighting Illini next fall."