Nov. 15, 2006

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.- University of Illinois women's golf head coach Renee Slone made her first addition to the Orange and Blue this week with the signing of Ft. Wayne, Indiana native Raquel Hopton to a national letter of intent. Hopton will join the Fighting Illini in the fall of 2007.

"We are excited about Raquel signing on to become a Fighting Illini," said Slone. "I expect her to contribute right away. Given her state record and tournament play, she knows how to win."

Hopton made quite an impact during her prep career, winning the 2006 Indiana Age Group Championship and the 2006 Indiana High School Sectional Championship. Adding to her impressive resume, Hopton finished seventh at the Indiana High School Championship and is also the current record holder at Valparaiso High School for the lowest 18-hole total (68), which she set this year at the Plymouth Invitational. Hopton was All-State selection in 2004 and 2006, a state finalist in 2003, 2004, and 2006 and All-Area pick from 2003-2006. In 2006, Hopton wrapped-up play with 11 invitational wins and 18 top-3 invitational finishes.