semo tennis signing 5/14/06

The Southeast Missouri State women's tennis program has landed a standout from the Illinois high school ranks.

Southeast coach Jay Pacelli said the Redhawks signed Elise Nattier to a national letter of intent during the NCAA spring signing period that started on April 12.

Nattier is a senior at Flora High School, where she played No. 1 singles and doubles. This season, she finished first in singles at the Centralia Sectional and advanced to the second round of the Illinois state tournament.

On the United States Tennis Association circuit, Nattier was the top-ranked singles player for 18-and-under girls in the Southern Illinois region during the 2005 season. She was invited to the USTA Midwest Closed Tournament, the top Midwest region tournament for 18-and-under girls.

"I'm extremely happy that Elise has decided to join the Redhawks next season," Pacelli said. "She has the aggressive groundstrokes necessary to become a very good collegiate player.

Nattier ranks in the top three of her class academically.

-- Southeast Missourian